Can infrared heating replace Economy 7 heaters?

It can be a practical replacement in many rooms, subject to electrical capacity, controls and a proper heat-loss assessment. Compare the tariff and expected run hours before committing.

Will infrared work on Economy 7?

Yes. Infrared works on any electricity supply, although its controls and operating schedule should be designed around the tariff you actually use.

What does storage heater replacement cost?

Cost varies with the number of rooms, electrical work, controls and making-good. A survey is needed for a reliable quote rather than a generic per-heater promise.

Infrared heating vs Economy 7 storage heaters

Quick answer

Infrared heating vs Economy 7 storage heaters?

Economy 7 storage heaters charge overnight at a lower rate and release heat later, while infrared heats rooms on demand. Storage heaters can be economical when the night tariff and charge pattern fit; infrared offers more precise room-by-room control but uses the live electricity rate unless paired with a suitable tariff.

Side by side

	Infrared	Economy 7 storage heaters
Control	Heat each room when occupied	Charge overnight, release stored heat
Tariff	Works on any electricity tariff	Best with a suitable off-peak tariff
Comfort	Immediate zonal radiant warmth	Can be warm early and cool later
Replacement work	Electrical installation and controls	Existing system remains but may need repair
Best fit	Rooms with changing schedules	Predictable occupancy and overnight charging

Our honest verdict

Replace storage heaters when their timing no longer matches the household or when controls and comfort are the main problem. Check the full tariff arithmetic first: infrared is not automatically cheaper, but its room-by-room control can reduce wasted heating.

Frequently asked questions

Reviewed by the Infrared Heat Solutions technical team · Last updated July 2026 · Data sources: Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem, gov.uk Boiler Upgrade Scheme

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