Recent updates in electric heating mean that it’s never been a better time to invest in upgrading your system, and looking at the smart storage heaters in our range, it’s easy to see how the technology has come on in leaps and bounds. If it’s time to ring in the changes and update to a modern storage heater system with all the bells and whistles, you might just be wondering what to do with your old heaters, or more accurately, the bricks inside them. Can they be recycled? Do they have another use? Or is it simply easier to have your installer take them away? While the latter is undoubtedly the method most people would opt for, old storage heater bricks can have some surprising uses if you’re in need of a pet project. Here are some of the most popular unconventional uses for storage heater bricks…
Keep plants warm with greenhouse heating
Greenhouses are essential to the UK gardener, helping to provide extra protection against our inclement weather, as well as a hotter environment to help grow plants out of season. Though they do keep plants safe from the worst of our cold climate, these spaces can still benefit from a little extra heat boost. Old storage heater blocks can help to maximise the radiant heat inside your greenhouse by absorbing the sun’s rays throughout the day, gently re-emitting warmth at night when temperatures drop to keep seedlings and more delicate plants protected. In this sense, the bricks act like a storage heater in reverse, accumulating heat during the day for use over the night-time period so even your outdoor spaces can have comfortable and reliable heating.
The storage heater bricks that became a pizza oven
It’s hard to believe that an old storage heater could be the gateway to piping-hot, homemade pizza but that really is the case for adventurous DIYers who have used their old bricks to create an outdoor oven. Pizza ovens are one of the most popular ways of repurposing storage heater bricks because the ceramic material is excellent at retaining and diffusing heat, helping to create the perfect conditions for that stone-baked Neapolitan margarita or Lazio-style pizza romana. Another plus point for storage heater bricks is that many have sleek sides, making sliding pizzas in and out of the oven easy and convenient. So while you’re enjoying a new storage heater system, you could also be making excellent use of your old one outside, baking a pizza capricciosa and enjoying the sunshine. A word of warning though: storage heater bricks can produce mixed results depending on their make and manufacture so be sure to conduct plenty of research before making a start on your project.
Create a low-cost barbecue
Pizza ovens aren’t to everyone’s taste so if you’re looking for a more conventional project, why not re-use your storage heater bricks to make a barbecue. The traditional 3-sided brick barbecue doesn’t get much simpler in design, and with the superior heat properties of ceramic, it will keep your food warm even as the embers start to die down. Everyone loves a barbecue and your storage heater can live on as the heart of your garden, providing years of entertainment and delicious meals that bring the family together every summer.
Before getting started…
Before you rush out to repurpose your electric storage heater bricks as crazy paving or as a boarder for your flower bed, just make sure that they’re safe to use first. Storage heaters made before 1974 used asbestos insulation, so while the bricks themselves are safe, they could be covered with hazardous dust which will require a specialist to dismantle the unit. It’s highly unlikely models such as these will still be in active service due to their age, however if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional first.
Out with the old, in with the new storage heaters
Storage heater bricks can have any number of uses – all you have to do is use your imagination and natural creative flair. Or, if you prefer, stick them in the local classified ads for someone else to use and make a bit of money in the process (you’d be surprised at the demand for them). While you ponder the possibilities of how to dispose of your old system, take a look at our range of smart storage heaters and efficient high-heat retention models, featuring weekly programming and extra energy-saving features. Our Sales team are always on hand to provide advice, so even if you’re looking to replace a large installation, they can create a free bespoke quote tailored to your property – just give them a call on 0330 880 8181 for more information.