Updated
Storage Heater Not Charging Overnight
Your storage heater is not taking on heat during the night despite correct settings.
Find an electrician
What's happening?
When a storage heater fails to charge overnight, it will be cold or barely warm by morning. This is different from a heater that charges but loses heat too quickly. The problem lies in either the off-peak electricity supply, the heater's charging mechanism, or the Economy 7 meter switching times.
What usually causes it?
- Economy 7 meter or timeswitch not activating off-peak supply
- Off-peak MCB tripped in the consumer unit
- Faulty boost relay or contactor in the consumer unit
- Heating element failed — heater cannot convert electricity to heat
- Input thermostat cutting out prematurely
- Wiring fault between consumer unit and heater
Is it dangerous?
A storage heater that is not charging is not dangerous. The issue is one of comfort and energy use rather than safety. However, if the heater's wiring or connections appear damaged or burnt, switch it off and call an electrician.
Can I fix it myself?
Turn the input dial to maximum to rule out a low setting. Check the consumer unit for a tripped MCB on the off-peak or heating circuit. If you have a boost switch for your storage heaters, try using it to see if the heater warms up — this confirms the heater itself works and the issue is with the off-peak supply.
When should you call an electrician?
Call an electrician if the boost switch works but overnight charging does not, if the off-peak MCB keeps tripping, if none of your storage heaters are charging, or if only one heater is failing to charge while others work.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Test the off-peak supply timing and voltage
- Check the Economy 7 meter switching operation
- Inspect the boost relay or contactor for faults
- Test each heating element for continuity
- Check all wiring from the consumer unit to the heater
- Repair or replace faulty components
What will it cost to fix?
£80–£250
Off-peak supply issues may need the DNO or meter operator to fix the meter or timeswitch at no cost to you. Internal faults vary in cost.
Find an electricianFrequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Why is my storage heater cold every morning?
Either the off-peak electricity is not reaching the heater overnight, or the heater's charging element has failed. An electrician can quickly determine which with simple tests.
How can I tell if my off-peak supply is working?
Some consumer units have an indicator light or a separate timeswitch for the off-peak circuit. You can also check your meter readings during off-peak hours to see if the off-peak register is advancing.
Can the energy supplier fix this?
If the fault is with the Economy 7 meter or its timing, your meter operator (arranged through your energy supplier) will fix or replace it. If the fault is in your wiring or heater, you need an electrician.
Sources & References
Need an electrician?
Compare local electricians on Tradehand — coverage areas, accreditations and phone numbers, no middleman.
Find an electrician