Storage Heater Replacement Dublin: When to Upgrade & What It Costs
- Stillorgan Electrical
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
How Much Does Storage Heater Replacement Cost in Dublin?
Replacing an old storage heater in a Dublin home typically costs between €350 and €900 per unit, depending on size, output, and whether it's a standard or high-retention model. Most homes need two to four heaters replaced, so a full-house upgrade is usually quoted as a package.
Signs Your Storage Heater Needs Replacing
It no longer holds heat overnight
Heat is released unevenly, hot in the morning and cold by evening
Your electricity bills have crept up without a change in usage
The casing is rattling, cracked, or visibly damaged
The unit is more than 15–20 years old
It doesn't respond well to night-rate electricity tariffs
Why Are So Many Older Dublin Homes Still Using Storage Heaters?
A large number of Dublin properties, particularly apartments and homes built between the 1970s and 1990s, were fitted with storage heaters designed around cheaper night-rate electricity. Many of these original units are still in use today, well past their expected lifespan, and far less efficient than modern equivalents.
Before replacing like-for-like, it's worth understanding how storage heaters stack up against the alternatives:
Storage heaters – lower running costs on night-rate electricity, but less responsive to sudden temperature changes
Electric panel heaters – instant heat and easy zonal control, but generally higher running costs
Heat pumps – efficient and increasingly common in retrofits, though a bigger upfront investment
Gas central heating – widely used where a gas connection is already in place
For many older Dublin properties without a gas connection, a modern high-retention storage heater remains the most practical and cost-effective upgrade.
What Are Your Options When Replacing a Storage Heater?
High-retention storage heaters – better insulated, faster response, and more efficient than older models
Electric panel heaters or radiators – lower upfront cost, no bulk unit needed
Smart electric heating with thermostatic control – programmable, room-by-room control
A different heating system entirely – worth considering where gas or a heat pump becomes a viable option
How Much Does Storage Heater Replacement Cost in Dublin?
Cost depends on a few things:
The size and heat output of each unit
The number of heaters being replaced
Whether the existing circuits need upgrading
Disposal of the old units
As a rough guide, a single high-retention storage heater typically costs €350–€900 supplied and fitted, with most properties needing several units replaced at once.
Planning a Full-House Heating Upgrade?
If more than one room needs new heaters, it's usually more cost-effective to plan it as a single project. Get a free, whole-home heating assessment rather than replacing units one at a time as they fail.
What Happens During Replacement?
Assessment of your existing circuits and consumer unit
Safe removal and disposal of the old storage heaters
Fitting and wiring of the new units
Testing to confirm safe operation
Advice on getting the most from night-rate electricity
Are There Grants Available for Heating Upgrades in Dublin?
Some heating upgrades in Ireland may be eligible for support through SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) grant schemes, depending on the type of system and your property's eligibility. It's worth checking current scheme criteria before planning a larger heating upgrade.
This service is available across Dublin, including Stillorgan, Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Foxrock, Dundrum, Dalkey, and the wider South Dublin area, as well as Dublin City Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do storage heaters last?
A well-maintained storage heater can last 15–20 years, but efficiency drops noticeably in the final years of its life.
Is it worth replacing storage heaters with high-retention models?
For most homes relying on night-rate electricity, yes. High-retention models hold heat longer and release it more evenly through the day.
Can I replace storage heaters myself?
No. Storage heaters are wired into dedicated circuits and should only be installed or replaced by a qualified electrician.
Will new storage heaters reduce my electricity bills?
Many homeowners see a noticeable reduction, since modern units retain heat more efficiently and waste less energy overnight.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Storage Heaters?
Stillorgan Electrical Services replaces and installs storage heaters and electric heating systems across Dublin. Get a free heating upgrade quote.
At Stillorgan Electrical Services, we help homeowners and businesses across Dublin get electrical work done safely, correctly, and without unnecessary cost.
Certified, experienced electricians covering all of Dublin
Free, no-obligation quotes before any work begins
Honest advice on what your property actually needs
Same-day call-outs available for urgent issues
Fully registered and qualified electrician service
Final Thoughts
Old storage heaters quietly cost you money every winter, holding less heat and running less efficiently than they used to. Upgrading to a modern, high-retention system is one of the more straightforward ways to improve comfort and reduce electricity bills in an older Dublin home.
DO YOU KNOW WE ALSO HAVE 25 FULLY QUALIFIED GAS ENGINEERS AND DRAINS TECHNICIANS.
Comments