Storage Heaters vs Heat Pumps: Which Is Right for Your Devon Home?

Electric Heating Options in Devon

Many Devon homes rely on electric heating, especially rural properties without mains gas. The two main options—storage heaters and heat pumps—offer very different approaches to heating your home.

Why This Matters

• Energy costs are a major household expense
• Running costs can vary dramatically between systems
• Installation costs differ significantly
• Property suitability varies by building type
• Environmental impact increasingly matters

Storage Heaters Explained

How They Work

Storage heaters charge overnight using cheaper off-peak electricity, then release heat throughout the day.

Types Available

Pros of Storage Heaters

• Lower installation cost - £250-£600 per heater
• Simple technology - Few things to go wrong
• No outdoor unit - No planning considerations
• Quick to install - Often same-day
• Low maintenance - Almost zero ongoing costs

Cons of Storage Heaters

• Higher running costs - Despite off-peak rates
• Less control - Heat released whether needed or not
• Cold evenings - Heat runs out by evening
• Large units - Take up wall space
• Whole-house heating - Individual room control limited

Heat Pumps Explained

How They Work

Heat pumps extract heat from outside air (air source) or ground (ground source) and amplify it to heat your home.

Types Available

Pros of Heat Pumps

• Much lower running costs - 3-4x more efficient
• Good control - Room-by-room temperature
• Cooling option - Some provide air conditioning
• Lower carbon - Reduces emissions significantly
• Government grants - Up to £7,500 available

Cons of Heat Pumps

• High installation cost - £8,000-£15,000+ even after grants
• Outdoor unit required - Noise and visual impact
• May need radiator upgrades - Larger radiators often needed
• Underfloor heating works best - Retrofit can be complex
• Electricity rate matters - Need good tariff

Cost Comparison

Installation Costs

Annual Running Costs (3-Bed House)

Costs based on typical Devon property, actual costs vary

Which Suits Your Devon Home?

Choose Storage Heaters If:

• Budget is tight - Lower upfront cost
• Property rented - Landlord may prefer simpler option
• Small property - Flat or small cottage
• Temporary solution - Planning to move/renovate
• Listed building - External units may not be permitted

Choose Heat Pumps If:

• Long-term home - Payback takes 5-10 years
• Good insulation - Well-sealed modern or renovated home
• Underfloor heating - Ideal pairing
• Environmental priority - Lower carbon important
• Can fund upfront - Or access finance

Devon-Specific Considerations

Climate Factors

• Mild winters - Heat pumps work well in Devon's climate
• Coastal properties - Salt air affects outdoor units
• Rural locations - Off-gas makes alternatives essential
• Older properties - May need insulation first

Property Types

Upgrading Storage Heaters

When to Consider

Even if heat pumps aren't right for you, modern storage heaters offer improvements:

• Smart controls - Learn your routine
• WiFi integration - App control
• Better insulation - More heat retained
• Fan-assisted - Better evening performance

Upgrade Costs

Heat Pump Grants

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government offers up to £7,500 towards air source heat pump installation:

• Eligibility - Most homes qualify
• No means testing - Available to all
• Must use certified installer - We're registered
• Includes controls - Full system covered

How to Apply

• Get quotes from certified installers
• We handle grant application
• Grant reduces your final bill
• No upfront payment of grant amount

Our Recommendation

Best Overall for Devon

Air source heat pumps offer the best long-term value for most Devon homes, especially with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant reducing costs.

When Storage Heaters Win

For smaller properties, rental situations, or tight budgets, modern storage heaters remain a practical choice.

Installation Services

We install and service both systems:

Need heating advice for your Devon home? Call Grant's Electrical Solutions on 01626 374 059 for an honest assessment.