Electric Storage Heater

Electric Storage Heater Installation

At ECO4, we help UK homeowners and tenants improve home energy efficiency with free or subsidised electric storage heater installations through schemes like ECO4, GBIS and LA FLEX. Electric storage heaters store heat during cheaper, off-peak hours and release it throughout the day, providing a straightforward, low-maintenance way to heat rooms and manage energy costs.

Even if you don’t meet standard eligibility rules, LA FLEX allows local councils to approve extra households for funding. That means more families can benefit from lower heating bills, increased comfort, and reduced carbon emissions — check today to see if you qualify.

Understanding the ECO4 Scheme

The ECO4 scheme aims to help UK households cut energy bills and improve heating efficiency. If you qualify, you could receive a fully or partially funded electric storage heater installation ideal for properties without mains gas or where replacing old electric heaters makes sense. Upgrading to modern storage heaters can improve your home’s EPC rating, reduce reliance on expensive heating methods, and deliver more consistent warmth with minimal upfront cost.

The Role of GBIS and LA FLEX

GBIS supports households with low EPC ratings and certain council tax bands in accessing free electric storage heater installations and other energy-saving measures. Not eligible through the usual routes? LA FLEX allows councils to consider income, health, or housing needs, enabling more vulnerable or low-income households to access help. Together, these routes widen access to energy-saving measures and make efficient electric heating more attainable.

Electric Storage Heater Grants
Electric Storage Heater Grants

What is the LA FLEX Route?

The Local Authority FLEX (LA FLEX) route expands access to government programmes like ECO4 and GBIS, allowing households that don’t receive traditional benefits to still qualify for energy upgrades such as electric storage heater installations. This pathway is designed to support low-income families and those living in cold, inefficient homes who need more affordable heating solutions.

If your local council participates in the LA FLEX scheme, you may be eligible for an electric storage heater grant through one of four qualification routes:

Route 1 – Income-Based:
Households earning below £31,000 may qualify for assistance.

Route 2 – Vulnerability Indicators:
Eligibility may apply if you meet two vulnerability signs, such as living in a deprived area or having children who receive free school meals.

Route 3 – Health Referrals:
Health professionals can refer residents whose medical conditions are worsened by living in a cold home.

Route 4 – Local Criteria:
Councils may set their own flexible rules to support additional households based on local needs.

This approach makes efficient electric storage heaters more accessible, helping more households benefit from warmer homes, improved comfort and lower energy costs.

Benefits of Electric Storage Heaters

Lower Heating Costs

Modern electric storage heaters use cheaper off-peak electricity to store heat, helping reduce daytime heating costs and making them more affordable to run.

Reliable All-Day Warmth

They release stored heat gradually throughout the day, keeping your home warm and comfortable without constant energy use.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Newer high-heat-retention models offer better performance than old electric heaters, supporting improved EPC ratings and reducing wasted energy.

Cleaner Heating Solution

Electric storage heaters produce no on-site emissions, helping lower your household’s carbon impact and supporting a more sustainable home.

Low Maintenance

With no boilers, pipes, or fuel supply, storage heaters require minimal servicing and offer long-term reliability with simple upkeep.

Ideal for Off-Gas Homes

They are perfect for homes without access to the gas grid, providing an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional electric or portable heaters.

Am I Eligible for Electric Storage Heater Funding?

You may qualify for a free or subsidised electric storage heater installation through the ECO4 scheme if your household receives certain government benefits. ECO4 is designed to support low-income and vulnerable households by improving heating efficiency and replacing old, costly electric systems with modern, energy-saving solutions. If you or someone in your home receives any of the following benefits, you could be eligible:

  • Universal Credit (UC)

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • Working Tax Credit (WTC)

  • Income Support

  • Housing Benefit

  • Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

  • Child Benefit (income-based criteria apply)

Check today to see if your household qualifies for an upgraded, energy-efficient electric storage heater under the ECO4 scheme.

GBIS Eligibility – Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)

To receive funding for an electric storage heater upgrade through the Great Britain Insulation Scheme (GBIS), your home must meet specific criteria. This includes having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between D and G, along with being in a lower council tax band — A to D in England or A to E in Scotland and Wales.

If your property meets these requirements, you may be eligible for support to install modern, energy-efficient electric storage heaters. This upgrade can help you enjoy more consistent warmth, lower running costs and a cleaner, more sustainable heating solution.

The Process for Applying for an Electric Storage Heater Grant

Applying for an electric storage heater upgrade through the ECO4 scheme is straightforward and stress-free. Our team supports you at every stage to ensure a smooth journey from application to installation. Here’s how the process works:

1. Fill Out the Application Form

Begin by completing our quick online form with basic details about your home and household circumstances. This helps us check your eligibility and identify the most suitable heating improvements.

2. Initial Contact from Our Team

One of our advisors will reach out to confirm your information and guide you through the next steps. We’ll explain how the electric storage heater grant works and answer any questions you may have.

3. Home Energy Survey

A qualified assessor will visit your property to carry out a free energy survey. This assessment reviews your current heating setup and determines how modern storage heaters can improve your home’s efficiency.

4. Eligibility Review and Options

Following the survey, we’ll outline your available upgrade options through ECO4. You’ll receive a clear breakdown of the measures you qualify for, including any additional improvements at little or no cost.

5. Professional Installation

If approved, our certified engineers will install your new electric storage heaters quickly and professionally. Additional qualifying measures may also be added to enhance comfort and boost your home’s overall energy performance.

Apply Now for an Electric Storage Heater Grant

Think you qualify under ECO4, GBIS, or LA FLEX? Apply now to upgrade your home with modern, energy-efficient electric storage heaters. Simply complete our quick online form or get in touch with our team — we’re here to guide you through each step of the process and help you enjoy reliable warmth while reducing your energy costs.

Electric Storage Heater FAQs
What are electric storage heaters and how do they work?
Electric storage heaters use off-peak electricity to store heat in thermal bricks, then slowly release warmth throughout the day. This allows households to benefit from cheaper electricity tariffs during off-peak hours.
+
Can I get a grant for electric storage heaters in the UK?
Yes. Funding may be available through schemes like ECO4, which can cover part or all of the cost of replacing old storage heaters with modern, efficient models.
+
Who qualifies for electric storage heater funding under ECO4?
Eligibility usually depends on income, benefit receipt, and the property’s EPC rating. ECO4 prioritises homes with inefficient heating and limited financial means.
+
How much can I save by replacing old electric storage heaters?
Modern storage heaters reduce energy waste and improve heat control, helping lower electricity bills. With grant support, many households achieve meaningful annual savings.
+
What are the benefits of modern electric storage heaters?
Benefits include better heat retention, programmable controls, lower running costs with off-peak tariffs, and compatibility with smart meters.
+
Are electric storage heaters eco-friendly?
Yes. When used with off-peak or renewable electricity tariffs, modern storage heaters offer improved efficiency and lower environmental impact.
+
How do storage heaters compare to gas central heating?
Storage heaters suit homes without gas connections. They offer simpler installation, fewer components, and strong performance when paired with off-peak tariffs.
+
Do I need insulation upgrades to qualify for funding?
While insulation improves efficiency, recent funding changes mean it may not always be mandatory for storage heater grants, depending on the scheme.
+
How much does it cost to install new electric storage heaters?
Costs vary by property size and heater model. With ECO4 support, many households can access subsidised or fully funded installations.
+
How can I check if I qualify for electric storage heater support?
Check your EPC rating and benefit status or contact an accredited installer who can assess eligibility and submit ECO4 applications on your behalf.