In brief: Replacing an old electric thermal storage heater can help reduce energy costs. Modern alternatives such as heat pumps, pellet heating systems and efficient infrared panels can use energy more efficiently. Switching to a hydronic central heating system involves more work, but can pay off over time with lower operating costs and greater comfort.
Your power bill has arrived, and the total may come as a shock. Heating is often a major expense. If an old electric thermal storage heater is still warming your home, you know the problem. Once seen as an affordable option, these heaters can now be inefficient and expensive to run. Low-cost overnight electricity rates are largely a thing of the past, while electricity prices remain high. Upgrading your heating system can help you save energy and money over time.
Why are electric thermal storage heaters no longer a good choice?
Electric thermal storage heaters work on a simple principle: at night, when electricity used to cost less, heating elements warm storage bricks inside the unit. During the day, the bricks release heat into the room. Today, this approach has several significant drawbacks.
The biggest concern is operating cost. Special low-cost overnight electricity rates are now rare. That means you may be heating your home with expensive standard-rate electricity. As a result, electric thermal storage heating can be one of the most expensive ways to heat a home. The unit converts electricity into heat efficiently, but energy is lost as electricity travels from the power plant to your outlet.
Another drawback is limited flexibility. The heater charges overnight whether or not you need the heat the next day. A sudden change in the weather or an unplanned day out? The heater is already fully charged and releases heat you may not use. On very cold days, the stored heat may run out by evening, leaving you cold or relying on expensive supplemental heating.
Important note
Units installed before 1993 may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. Always hire a certified specialist to dismantle and dispose of them. Removing a unit yourself is dangerous and illegal.
What alternatives are available to electric thermal storage heaters?
Today's market offers a wide range of modern, energy-efficient heating systems. The right alternative depends on your home, budget and preferences. In general, your options fall into three categories: hydronic central heating, modern electric heating and heat pumps.
Hydronic central heating: a complete system upgrade
Switching to a hydronic system is the most extensive upgrade. A central heat source, such as a gas boiler, pellet boiler or oil boiler, heats water. A pump circulates it through newly installed pipes to radiators or underfloor heating in each room. Installation is complex because walls may need to be opened and pipes installed. For this work, you need durable materials such as flexible aluminum composite pipe
.
The main benefit is lower operating costs, especially with gas or pellets. You also get comfortable heating that is easy to control. A system upgrade inevitably creates dirt and dust. A powerful helper such as the 3-in-1 stainless steel wet and dry vacuum cleaner and blower
helps clear construction debris and dust as you work and keeps the area clean.
Modern electric heating: a simple replacement
If you'd rather avoid a major system upgrade, consider modern electric heating. Instead of storing heat inefficiently, these heaters work on demand, converting electricity into heat when you need it. Options include infrared panels, modern convectors and storage heaters. One smart option is a smart panel heater
, which you can control from an app.
Installation is simple: disconnect the old electric thermal storage heater, mount the new unit on the wall and connect it to the existing power supply. Upfront costs are low, and you get precise control. Set the temperature for each room. Operating costs still depend on electricity prices, but smart, on-demand use can save money compared with an electric thermal storage heater.
Modern direct-acting heaters, particularly infrared systems, provide a high level of comfort through targeted heat radiation while offering precise control. They are a sensible option for well-insulated buildings or as a supplement to a main heat generator.
The heat pump: heating with renewable energy
A heat pump is one of the most future-ready alternatives, but also one of the most expensive. It extracts heat from the air, ground or groundwater and uses a compressor to raise it to a temperature suitable for heating. It runs on electricity, but one kilowatt-hour of electricity can produce three to five kilowatt-hours of heat, making it highly efficient.
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes with underfloor heating or another radiant heating system, since these operate at lower flow temperatures. The upfront cost is high, but government incentives may help cover it. Over time, you can benefit from very low heating costs and greater independence from fossil fuels.
Pro tip
Before choosing a new heating system, check current federal and state incentive programs, for example through KfW or BAFA. An incentive for replacing an electric thermal storage heater with a heat pump can significantly reduce the upfront cost.
How do I plan the switch from night storage heating to a new system?
Replacing a heating system is a major project that needs careful planning. Follow these steps to find the best and most cost-effective solution for your home.
- Assess your current home: Ask an energy consultant to determine your home's heating requirements. They will assess the insulation in your roof, walls and windows, then calculate how much heating capacity you need. This provides the basis for sizing your new system.
- Compare systems: Compare the different alternatives. Consider purchase and installation costs, running costs and available funding. Also think about comfort and ease of use.
- Get quotes: Request quotes from several qualified heating contractors. Make sure they cover all the necessary work, from removing the old heaters to commissioning the new system.
- Carry out the modernisation: Depending on the system, the work can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Installing new pipes may require removing old ones. A durable 18 V angle grinder helps you cut through old metal pipes or brackets quickly and cleanly. Once the new pipes are installed, proper heating pipe insulation is essential to minimise heat loss on the way to the radiators.
Costs and value for money: Is replacing your heating system worth it?
Cost is a key consideration. Replacing the system with modern infrared panels in a single-family home may cost between 4,000 and 8,000 euros. A complete gas central heating system, including pipework, costs between 15,000 and 25,000 euros, while a heat pump system can cost up to 35,000 euros. These upfront costs are offset by substantial savings on energy bills.
Example calculation for a 140 m² home:
- Night storage heaters (20,000 kWh/year at 30 ct/kWh): approx. 6,000 € per year
- Gas condensing boiler (20,000 kWh/year at 12 ct/kWh): approx. 2,400 € per year
- Heat pump (seasonal performance factor 3.5, electricity at 30 ct/kWh): approx. 1,700 € per year
In this example, a gas heating system saves you 3,600 euros per year, while a heat pump saves as much as 4,300 euros. Depending on the system, the upfront investment can pay for itself within five to ten years. After that, you save money year after year.
Replacing an outdated night storage heating system is almost always a financially sound decision. Lower heating bills can mean a quick payback, while also increasing your property's value and appeal.
Additional advice
Think beyond simply replacing your heating system. It often makes sense to combine the upgrade with additional insulation measures, such as replacing old windows or insulating the attic floor. Every kilowatt-hour of heat you save is the cheapest one.
Conclusion: Now is the time to act
Old night storage heaters are relics of another era. High operating costs, limited comfort and poor environmental performance all point to one clear conclusion: replacement is long overdue. Modern heating systems, from efficient heat pumps to flexible infrared heating, offer a solution for every home and budget.
A new heating system may seem expensive at first, but the significant reduction in energy costs can ensure a quick payback. You can also enjoy greater comfort, protect the environment and increase your home's value. For a wet central heating system installation, the Westfalia range includes suitable components such as manifolds and wall brackets for a neat, professional finish. Don’t wait any longer. Start planning your heating system upgrade today and look forward to a warm home with lower energy bills.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to replace night storage heaters?
- Costs vary considerably depending on the new system. A simple replacement with modern electric heaters can cost a few thousand euros. A complete central heating system with a heat pump or gas boiler, including pipework and radiators, can cost between 15,000 and 35,000 euros or more.
- Is infrared heating a good alternative to night storage heaters?
- Yes, infrared heating is an efficient alternative for well-insulated rooms. Instead of heating the air, it warms people and objects directly, which many people find very comfortable. Installation is straightforward, but operating costs still depend on the price of electricity. It works well for heating individual zones.
- Are there grants available for replacing an old heating system?
- Yes, the German government supports the switch to renewable energy. Heat pumps and biomass heating systems in particular may qualify for subsidies through KfW and BAFA programmes. An energy consultant can help you identify the right funding schemes and submit your applications correctly.
- Do I need to renovate the whole house for a new heating system?
- Not necessarily. When switching to modern electric heaters such as infrared panels, you can use the existing electrical wiring. A wet central heating system requires heating pipes to be installed, which is a more extensive project. However, the pipes can often be neatly concealed in skirting boards or trunking.
- How should I dispose of my old night storage heater?
- Old night storage heaters, particularly those built before 1993, may contain asbestos and are classified as hazardous waste. They must be dismantled and disposed of by a certified specialist contractor. Never attempt to dismantle one yourself. Newer models are generally safe, but must still be disposed of correctly.
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