Off Peak Storage Heater Replacement with Rointe Radiators in Helston

Working with a homeowner in Helston, we tackled a common challenge faced by many properties with older heating systems. The existing storage heaters were becoming increasingly problematic – they were bulky, inefficient, and offered limited control over when heat was distributed throughout the home.

After discussing various options with the client, we recommended Rointe radiators as the ideal solution. These modern electric heating systems provide precise temperature control, programmable settings, and significantly improved efficiency compared to traditional storage heaters.

The project began with careful disconnection of the existing storage heaters. We removed units from three key areas of the home – the living room, hallway, and bedroom. Each would be replaced with appropriately sized Rointe radiators to suit the dimensions and heating requirements of each space.

In the living room, we installed a powerful 1430W Rointe thermostatic radiator, providing ample heating capacity for this primary living space. The hallway received a 1200W model, while the bedroom was fitted with a 990W radiator – both carefully selected to provide optimal heating based on each room’s size.

One of the significant benefits of this upgrade involved reconfiguring the electrical supply. Traditional storage heaters typically operate on an Economy 7 tariff, heating up during off-peak hours overnight and gradually releasing heat throughout the day. While this can be economical, it offers limited flexibility.

Our solution included reconfiguring the off-peak consumer unit to provide 24-hour power to the new radiators, giving the homeowner complete control over when their heating operates. However, we maintained the Economy 7 connection for the immersion heater, allowing the client to continue benefiting from cheaper overnight electricity rates for water heating.

This hybrid approach provides the best of both worlds – the flexible, on-demand heating of modern electric radiators alongside the cost benefits of Economy 7 for water heating. The electrical work involved careful rerouting of the off-peak tails to feed only the immersion heater breaker, ensuring this circuit remained on the Economy 7 tariff while separating it from the other circuits.

For the additional storage heaters that weren’t being replaced, we provided a future-proofing solution. We disconnected these units electrically but left them in place as requested by the client. In their place, we installed new single-gang sockets, providing convenient power outlets and giving the homeowner options for future heating upgrades.

Once all radiators were installed, we took time to programme each unit for normal operation, setting up appropriate heating schedules based on the client’s preferences. Rointe systems feature intuitive controls that allow for daily and weekly programming, temperature limits, and even remote control options.

The transformation was remarkable. The sleek white Rointe radiators provided a much more contemporary aesthetic compared to the bulky storage heaters they replaced. Beyond appearances, the new system offers significant practical advantages:

• Precise temperature control in each room
• Flexible scheduling to match the household’s routine
• Rapid warming when needed rather than slow heat release
• Reduced energy wastage through smart controls
• More usable space where bulky heaters once stood

We handled the environmentally responsible disposal of all removed storage heaters, taking particular care due to the potential presence of asbestos in older units. All waste was transported to an appropriate disposal facility in accordance with regulations.

The client was particularly pleased with how the new system allowed them to heat specific rooms only when needed, rather than having to accept the limited control of storage heaters. This more responsive approach to heating creates both improved comfort and potential energy savings.

This Helston project demonstrates how modern electric heating solutions can transform homes that have previously relied on outdated storage heater technology. The combination of improved aesthetics, enhanced control, and better efficiency makes this type of conversion increasingly popular among homeowners looking to modernise their properties without the significant disruption of installing a wet central heating system.

For properties in Cornwall and beyond that currently use storage heaters, similar upgrades can provide comparable benefits – bringing twenty-first century heating control to homes previously limited by dated technology.