Why Choose Storage Heaters for Large Rooms?
Storage heaters are an energy-efficient solution for keeping large rooms warm during colder months. They work by storing heat during the night using off-peak electricity and releasing it throughout the day. This can be a cost-effective heating option, particularly if you have a large room that needs consistent warmth.
However, a key factor to consider is selecting a heater that’s appropriately sized for your room. A heater that’s too small will struggle to heat a large space effectively, while a heater that’s too large will waste energy, making the system less efficient.
Key Factors to Consider for Heating a Large Room
1. Room Size and Dimensions
The size of your room plays a critical role in determining the size of the storage heater required. Larger rooms, such as living rooms or open-plan spaces, will need a more powerful storage heater to distribute heat evenly. To calculate the size of the heater you need, measure the room’s length and width and multiply these values to get the area in square meters.
A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need around 1.2 kW per 10 square meters of space in a well-insulated room. For rooms with high ceilings or poor insulation, this number may increase.
2. Room Insulation
If your large room has excellent insulation, it will retain heat more effectively, meaning you won’t need a very powerful heater. On the other hand, a room with poor insulation, large windows, or drafts will lose heat faster, and you’ll need a more powerful storage heater to compensate.
Ensure that your room is well-sealed and insulated to maximise the effectiveness of your storage heater. You can also add insulation to walls or upgrade windows to improve energy efficiency.
3. Ceiling Height
High ceilings are common in large rooms and can significantly impact the heating requirements. Storage heaters are typically designed for rooms with standard ceiling heights (around 2.4 meters). If your ceilings are higher, you’ll need to adjust the heater size to accommodate the increased space and volume of air.
For rooms with higher ceilings, add about 0.1 kW for every extra meter of ceiling height. For instance, if your room has 3-meter-high ceilings, you would need an additional 0.6 kW for every 10 square meters of space.
4. Climate and Room Use
The climate in which you live and the use of the room are also crucial factors. In colder climates, or if your room is used frequently, you will need a larger heater. Additionally, if the room is frequently occupied or used for activities requiring a lot of warmth (like a home office or a living room), you may need a higher kW output to ensure consistent comfort.
How to Calculate the Right Size Storage Heater for a Large Room
To calculate the right size of storage heater for your large room, follow these steps:
- Measure the Room’s Size: Measure the length and width of the room to calculate the area in square meters. For example, a room that is 5 meters by 6 meters would be 30 square meters.
- Estimate the kW Needed: Multiply the room size by the kW required per 10 square meters. For example, a well-insulated room of 30 square meters would need around 3.6 kW (30 ÷ 10 = 3 × 1.2 kW = 3.6 kW).
- Adjust for Ceiling Height: If the ceiling height exceeds 2.4 meters, add extra kW to account for the larger volume. For a 3-meter-high ceiling, add approximately 0.6 kW for every 10 square meters.
- Account for Room Insulation: If the room has poor insulation, you may need to increase the kW slightly to ensure it stays warm.
Example:
For a large room measuring 30 square meters with 3-meter-high ceilings and moderate insulation, you would need:
- Room Size: 30 square meters
- kW for Insulated Room: 1.2 kW per 10 square meters (30 ÷ 10 = 3 × 1.2 = 3.6 kW)
- Extra for High Ceilings: 0.6 kW (30 ÷ 10 = 3 × 0.1 = 0.3 kW, plus an additional 0.3 kW for the height)
- Total: 3.6 kW + 0.6 kW = 4.2 kW
Therefore, a storage heater with around 4.2 kW of power would be suitable for this large room.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Storage Heater for Large Rooms
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
By selecting the correct-sized heater, you can avoid overuse or underuse of energy, making your heating system more efficient. This results in cost savings on your energy bills.
2. Consistent Comfort
A well-sized storage heater will maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the room, ensuring no cold spots or overheating. It will distribute heat evenly, making the room feel comfortable at all times.
3. Long-Term Savings
Choosing the right storage heater not only optimises energy use but also ensures that your system operates efficiently over time. By avoiding the unnecessary strain on the heater, you can prolong its lifespan and reduce the need for maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my storage heater is the right size for a large room?
If your room feels too hot or cold, it might be a sign that your heater is the wrong size. A properly sized storage heater should maintain a comfortable temperature with minimal adjustments.
Can I use multiple small heaters instead of one large heater?
Yes, using multiple smaller heaters can be an effective way to heat a large room, especially if it has different areas or zones that need different levels of heat.
Can I change the size of my storage heater later if needed?
If you find that your current heater is too small or too large for your needs, it is possible to replace it with one that better suits your room’s heating requirements. At iCOZi, we can assist with selecting and installing the perfect-sized heater for your space.
Conclusion
Choosing the right storage heater for a large room is essential for both comfort and energy efficiency. By considering factors such as room size, insulation, ceiling height, and room use, you can ensure your heater delivers optimal performance. At iCOZi, we offer expert advice and a range of storage heaters suited to large rooms. Get in touch with us today to learn more and find the perfect heater for your home.
