Setting up a storage heater primarily involves adjusting its controls to efficiently store heat during off-peak hours and release it throughout the day, ensuring your home remains comfortable while managing energy costs.
Storage heaters are designed to take advantage of cheaper, off-peak electricity rates by absorbing and storing heat overnight, which is then gradually released during the day. Understanding and correctly adjusting their controls is key to efficient operation.
Understanding Your Storage Heater Controls
Most storage heaters feature two primary dials: an Input Control and an Output Control, and sometimes a Boost function. Familiarizing yourself with these allows for effective temperature management.
Input Dial (Charge Control)
The input dial, often located on the right side of the heater, determines the amount of energy absorbed and stored as heat during the off-peak charging period. Essentially, it controls the internal temperature of the heater's storage core.
- Function: A higher input setting means the heater will absorb more energy and store more heat overnight, resulting in more heat available for the following day. Conversely, a lower setting will absorb less energy.
- Practical Insight: Adjust this dial based on the expected weather and your heating needs for the next day. For instance, if you anticipate low heat demand or a milder day, you might keep this setting quite low, much like a "tortoise" conserving its energy. For very cold days or if you'll be home all day, a higher input setting (e.g., 4-6 on a scale of 0-6) would be appropriate.
- Energy Consumption: This setting has the biggest impact on the amount of electricity your heater uses, as it dictates how much power is drawn during the off-peak period.
Output Dial (Discharge Control)
The output dial controls the rate at which the stored heat is released into your room. This often operates a damper or fan system within the heater.
- Function:
- Open/High Setting: Releases heat more quickly, making the room warmer sooner but depleting the stored heat faster.
- Closed/Low Setting: Conserves the stored heat, releasing it slowly over a longer period.
- Practical Insight: It's generally recommended to keep the output dial at a low setting or closed overnight and in the early morning to prevent unnecessary heat loss. Turn it up as you need warmth throughout the day. Close it again when you leave the house or before going to bed to save remaining heat for the following evening if possible, or for the next charging cycle.
Boost Function (Optional)
Some modern storage heaters include a "boost" function.
- Function: This provides a quick burst of heat on demand, usually by directly drawing electricity from the mains.
- Practical Insight: Use the boost function sparingly, as it draws electricity at peak rates, which are significantly more expensive than off-peak rates. It's best reserved for unexpected drops in temperature or when you need immediate warmth for a short period.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Storage Heater
Follow these steps for optimal setup and daily operation:
Initial Setup
- Read the Manual: Always consult your heater's specific user manual. Models vary, and the manual will provide precise instructions for your unit.
- Ensure Power Supply: Make sure the storage heater is switched on at the wall socket and that your off-peak electricity tariff is active.
Daily Operation
- Assess Your Needs: Before going to bed, consider the predicted temperature for the next day and how much time you will spend at home.
- Adjust the Input Dial:
- Cold Day/High Usage: Set the input dial higher (e.g., 4-6) to store maximum heat.
- Mild Day/Low Usage: Set the input dial lower (e.g., 2-3) to save energy.
- Remember: This controls how much heat is stored overnight.
- Adjust the Output Dial:
- Overnight: Keep the output dial at its lowest setting or closed to prevent heat loss while you sleep and to conserve stored heat.
- Morning: Open the output dial to your desired comfort level. Start low and increase if you need more heat.
- Throughout the Day: Adjust as needed. If you're leaving the house, you can lower it again.
- Use Boost (If Necessary): Only engage the boost function if you need a quick shot of heat and the stored heat isn't sufficient or hasn't had time to release.
Optimizing Your Storage Heater for Efficiency
To get the most out of your storage heater while keeping energy bills down, consider these tips:
- Learn Your Tariff Times: Understand exactly when your off-peak electricity rates apply. This helps you maximize the charging period.
- Insulate Your Home: Good insulation (walls, loft, windows) significantly reduces heat loss, making your storage heater more effective.
- Don't Block Vents: Ensure that the heater's vents are not obstructed by furniture or curtains, as this can impede heat distribution.
- Experiment with Settings: It takes time to find the perfect balance for your home and lifestyle. Don't be afraid to adjust the input and output dials daily until you find what works best.
- Consider Smart Controls: Some modern storage heaters or external controllers offer smart features that can learn your preferences and adjust settings automatically.
Common Storage Heater Settings Table
| Setting | Description | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Controls amount of off-peak energy stored (0-6, or Low-High) | Higher (4-6) for very cold days; Lower (2-3) for mild days or minimal presence. |
| Output | Controls rate of heat release (0-6, or Open-Closed damper) | Start low (2-3), increase as needed for comfort. Close overnight. |
| Boost | Provides immediate heat outside off-peak charging. | For short bursts of warmth; use sparingly due to higher running costs. |
For further information on efficient heating, you can explore resources from reputable sources like the Energy Saving Trust.
By carefully managing your storage heater's controls, you can create a warm and comfortable environment efficiently.
