Storage Heaters to Heat Pump with Grant: Case Study

Published by Vector Heat

Old storage heaters have a special talent for being warm when you do not need them and disappointing when you do. This Langworth project shows what can happen when electric heating is replaced with a properly designed heat pump system.

The customer wanted better comfort, better control and a more efficient long-term heating setup.

Quick answer: what changed?

The home moved from 1990s electric storage heaters and an immersion-heated hot water cylinder to a bespoke air source heat pump system designed by Vector Heat.

The problem: expensive electric heating

The property used old storage heaters and an immersion cylinder.

The main issues were:

• high running costs
• limited control
• heat delivered at the wrong times
• inefficient hot water
• poor comfort compared with modern heating

Storage heaters can work in some situations, but older systems often feel blunt compared with properly controlled wet heating.

The grant opportunity

Because the home was replacing electric heating with a heat pump, it could qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme support if the scheme rules were met.

Grant rules change, so homeowners should always check the official GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

The design

Liam designed a budget-conscious air source heat pump system around the property.

The design considered:

• heat loss
• emitter requirements
• hot water
• controls
• outdoor unit position
• customer budget
• long-term running cost

The aim was not simply to swap one appliance for another. It was to improve how the home felt day to day.

The installation

We installed the air source heat pump and the supporting heating system needed for the property.

Every home is different. That is why the survey matters before the quote.

The result

The family gained a warmer home, better control and a more modern heating system.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helped reduce the upfront cost, while the design work made sure the system was matched to the property.

What this case teaches

Storage heaters are not always the cheapest long-term answer, especially when comfort and control are poor.

A heat pump can be a strong alternative, but only if the system is designed properly. Heat loss, emitters and hot water still matter.

FAQs about replacing storage heaters with a heat pump

Can storage heaters be replaced with a heat pump?

Yes, many homes can move from storage heaters to a heat pump, but the property needs a proper survey and heating design.

Can I get a grant if I have electric storage heaters?

You may be eligible if the property and installation meet Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules. Check the current GOV.UK guidance before relying on grant details.

Will a heat pump give better control than storage heaters?

Usually, yes. A designed wet heating system with suitable controls can give more consistent comfort than old storage heaters.

Do I need radiators with a heat pump?

Many heat pump systems use radiators or underfloor heating. The emitters need to be sized for lower flow temperatures.

Is replacing storage heaters disruptive?

It can involve installing pipework, emitters, a cylinder and an outdoor unit. A good survey should explain disruption before work starts.