Replacing your outdated storage heaters with modern wall mounted electric radiators: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Many people are unsure about what to do with their old storage heaters when considering our electric radiators. However, we offer a safe solution and make the transaction as easy as possible as part of our service. So, how does the process work? This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you switch from your old storage heaters to wall-mounted electric heaters.

How to Remove Your Outdated Storage Heaters

First of all, it is not a DIY job, if you would like to remove your storage heaters you will need the help of an electrician. This means, it is the most expensive part of the whole transaction but positively, installing the new electric heaters is quick and easy.

What is the expense of getting rid of your storage heaters?

The cost of removal can range from £500 to £1000 or even more if the electrician charges by the hour. This is because disconnecting the heaters from the wall is not as simple as it seems. Storage heaters are hardwired into the wall to allow the two-tariff meter to function correctly and communicate with your energy provider about when to charge you for the lower rate and when to charge the standard rate. This is achieved through two separate electric circuits, one for the daily rate (standard rate) and one for the overnight rate (lower rate). When removing the storage heaters, the electrician will need to follow these steps:

• Disconnect the lower rate circuits
• Convert the storage heater socket back into a traditional socket
• Install circuit breakers and/or earth the electricity as needed
• Test the functionality, provide a certificate, and create a report.

Each heater should take approximately 1-2 hours to remove, and the total cost for the entire house will depend on how many heaters you have but typically falls within the range of £500 to £1000.

It’s also worth noting that the heaters have to be turned off for around 48 hours before removing them, to give time for the heat-storing bricks inside to cool down. This means it’s usually better to change your heating during the warmer months rather than be left without any heating right when you need it most.

It is important to note that electricians may charge by the hour or task, so be sure to clarify this when looking for an electrician.

Guide to Properly Disposing of Your Old Storage Heaters

Disposing of storage heaters can be challenging.

If your storage heater does not contain asbestos, you can take it to a local tip and dispose of it in a small electrical container.

Note: Before disposing of your storage heaters, always check with your local recycling center for policies and the best disposal methods. There may be a fee for disposing of your heaters.

If your storage heater contains asbestos, contact the council to find out how to safely dispose of it.

Asbestos is a highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral. If your storage heater was manufactured before 1973, it may contain asbestos insulation. Asbestos has been banned since then due to frequent illness and respiratory issues. Before contacting an electrician, check if your storage heater model contains asbestos. You can find an updated list created by the Asbestos Information Center (AIC) on their website.

Once the storage heaters are disconnected from the wall, dismantling them is not complicated. Here are the steps:

1. Remove the front panel of the heater.
2. Remove the internal panel (attached with screws – dust may be present).
3. Remove the first layer of bricks (these are heavy, and large heaters will have many bricks).
4. Pull out the heating elements and remove the bricks at the back.
5. Release the screws on the side and remove the carcass from the wall (it may be under the carpet).
6. Unscrew the wall bracket and remove it.
7. Your electrician may be able to dispose of the heaters for you, as the bricks inside them weigh between 40 and 400kg. At Sunflow, we have the proper equipment to safely remove them from your home and are happy to assist you.

Alternatively, you can:

Option 1: Hire a skip if you are transitioning the entire house and do not want our help. This option will make the process easier and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Option 2: Get in touch with local farmers and builders to see if they need the bricks for their daily job. They may be grateful for the free raw materials and come to pick them up.

Great news! You’ve removed your old storage heater and now it’s time to install your new electric heaters.

While mounting the heaters on the wall is generally easy, it’s important to avoid damaging your wall or overloading the electrical system. We highly recommend seeking the assistance of a professional rather than attempting to install the heaters yourself.

The good news is that if you choose Sunflow, our Platinum Installation service is our full turnkey install that will take care of everything for you, giving you total peace of mind.

Here’s how we’ll install your wall-mounted electric radiators:

1. Measure the dimensions of your electric radiator and calculate where the brackets need to go.
2. Mark where we’ll drill the holes for the mounting brackets.
3. Drill the holes where we’ve marked.
4. Secure the mounting brackets securely to the wall with the appropriate fixings.
5. Hang the radiator on the brackets.
6. Screw in the safety screws at the top of the mounting brackets for added safety.
7. Plug in the radiator and check that everything is working correctly. We’ll verify that your smart functions and thermostat are working properly, and ensure that the radiators are securely mounted.

While it may seem like a lengthy procedure, installing electric heaters can have long-term benefits.

The best part is that with Sunflow, you don’t have to worry about a thing. If you’re interested, please contact us to schedule a free consultation or give us a call.