Mastering storage heaters is simple! Learn to control them by understanding their dials for input (charging) and output (heating). Adjust based on your schedule and weather for cozy warmth and savings. We’ll guide you through it all, making your home comfortable and energy smart.
Are your storage heaters a bit of a mystery? You’re not alone! Many of us find it tricky to get them just right, leading to either a chilly home or unexpected bills. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Storage heaters are designed to be efficient, and with a few simple tips, you can learn to control them like a pro. We’ll walk you through exactly how to adjust them so your home stays perfectly warm and cozy, without wasting a single bit of energy. Get ready to feel more in control of your heating!
Understanding Your Storage Heater: The Basics
Storage heaters might seem a little old-fashioned, but they’re actually clever devices. They work by absorbing heat from your electricity supply during off-peak hours (when electricity is cheaper) and then releasing that stored heat throughout the day. This means you get warmth when you need it, often at a lower cost. The key to controlling them is understanding the two main adjustments you’ll find on most models: the input control and the output control.
What are Input and Output Controls?
Think of your storage heater like a hot water bottle.
- Input Control (Charging): This dial tells the heater how much electricity to soak up overnight. It’s like deciding how much hot water to put into your hot water bottle. A higher setting means it will take in more heat, and a lower setting means less. This is usually controlled by a timer or a specific input dial.
- Output Control (Heating): This dial determines how quickly the stored heat is released into your room during the day. It’s like how much you want to let the heat escape from your hot water bottle. A higher setting will release heat faster and for longer, while a lower setting will release it more slowly.
Understanding these two is the first giant leap to controlling your storage heaters effectively.
Most modern storage heaters are connected to an off-peak electricity tariff, often called Economy 7 or similar schemes. These tariffs offer cheaper electricity for a set period overnight, typically 7-8 hours. This is when your storage heater charges up. The National Grid provides helpful information on understanding electricity tariffs and their benefits for home heating.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Control Your Storage Heaters
Let’s get practical! Controlling your storage heater isn’t about complex settings; it’s about understanding how and when to adjust the input and output controls to match your needs and the weather. We’ll break this down into simple steps.
Step 1: Identify Your Heater’s Controls
Take a good look at your storage heater. You’ll likely find at least two main controls, often dials.
- Input Dial: This is usually marked with numbers, often from 1 to 5, or symbols like a sun with different intensity levels. It might be labelled “Input” or “Charge.” This dial controls how much heat is stored overnight.
- Output Dial: This is also usually a dial, sometimes with similar numbering or symbols. It might be labelled “Output” or “Heat.” This dial controls how quickly the stored heat is released during the day.
Some heaters have a single “auto” setting or a timer, which simplifies things greatly. If you’re unsure, check your heater’s manual or look for the model number on the back or side to search for it online.
Step 2: Understand Your Daily Routine
Your heating needs are unique to your lifestyle. Think about:
- When are you home? Do you need warmth all day, or mainly in the evenings?
- What rooms do you use most? You might only need to heat living areas.
- What’s the weather like? Colder days require more heat than milder ones.
Knowing your routine helps you set the output control appropriately. For example, if you’re out at work all day, you’ll want a lower output setting so the heat isn’t released unnecessarily into an empty house.
Step 3: Adjusting the Input Control (Charging)
The input control is mainly about how much heat the heater stores for the next day. This is best adjusted based on the expected temperature for the following day.
- Colder Weather: On cold days, you’ll want your heater to store more heat. Turn the input dial to a higher number (e.g., 4 or 5). This means it will draw more power during the off-peak hours to build up a larger heat reserve.
- Milder Weather: On warmer days, you don’t need as much stored heat. Turn the input dial to a lower number (e.g., 1 or 2). This prevents overheating and saves electricity.
- Unpredictable Weather: If the forecast is uncertain, a medium setting (e.g., 3) is a good starting point. You can always adjust the output later if needed.
Pro Tip: Many people set the input control at the beginning of the week based on the weekly weather forecast. The goal is to have just enough stored heat for your needs without overcharging and wasting energy.
Step 4: Adjusting the Output Control (Heating)
The output control is what you’ll adjust most frequently, often daily, to manage the temperature in your room.
- Need Immediate Warmth: If you’ve arrived home on a cool evening and the heater has already released most of its heat, turn the output dial up to release more of the remaining stored heat more quickly.
- Gentle, Consistent Heat: For a steady warmth throughout the day, especially in living areas you’re occupying, set the output dial to a moderate level.
- Winding Down for the Night: As you prepare for bed, or if the room gets too warm, turn the output dial down to slow the heat release.
Important Note: Storage heaters release heat gradually. You cannot instantly turn them ‘up’ for instant heat like a conventional electric heater. The output control manages the rate of release from the heat already stored. If there’s no heat stored, turning the output dial up won’t do anything until the next charging cycle.
Step 5: Using Thermostats and Timers (If Applicable)
Some storage heaters come with additional features that make control even easier:
- Room Thermostat: Some advanced storage heaters have a built-in thermostat. This allows the heater to automatically regulate the room temperature, turning off heat as it reaches your desired level.
- Electronic Controls: Newer models often have digital displays and timers. These allow you to program specific heating times and temperature levels, much like a modern central heating system.
- Boost Function: Many heaters have a “boost” or “manual” override. This allows you to release extra heat from the stored energy for a limited time, usually controlled by a separate switch or timer. This can be useful for getting a quick blast of heat on a particularly chilly morning before the main charging cycle starts.
If your heater has these features, consult its manual for specific instructions. These are designed to simplify your life and improve efficiency.
Advanced Tips for Maximum Efficiency and Comfort
Once you’ve got the hang of the basic controls, try these smart tips to really optimize your storage heater experience. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!
1. Weather Forecasting is Your Friend
A little foresight goes a long way. Check the weather forecast daily or at the start of the week.
- Sunny but Cold: If it’s going to be a clear but cold day, the sun’s rays can help warm your home naturally. You might need less heat from your storage heater, so consider a slightly lower input charge.
- Cloudy and Damp: These conditions often mean a chill that lingers. You might need to ensure your heater is fully charged and the output is set to a comfortable level.
2. Understand Your Electricity Meter and Tariff
Knowing when your off-peak hours start and end is crucial. Your electricity meter should indicate this, often with a second meter or a display that shows two readings. Make sure you know your cheap electricity window! Resources like Energy Saving Trust offer great advice on understanding energy bills and tariffs to maximise savings.
3. Strategic Room Heating
Do you really need to heat every room all the time? Storage heaters are designed to heat specific areas.
- Only turn up the output control in rooms you are currently using.
- Close doors to unused rooms to keep the warmth concentrated where you need it.
- Consider using the output control on lower settings in bedrooms overnight if they tend to retain heat well.
4. Seal Drafts and Insulate
No heating system works efficiently if your home is drafty.
- Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use draft excluders and sealant tape to plug these gaps.
- Ensure your loft and wall cavities are well-insulated. This is a key factor in retaining heat.
- Consider using thick curtains, especially at night. Close them to trap heat inside.
Good insulation can significantly reduce the amount of heat your storage heaters need to provide, leading to lower bills and a more comfortable home.
5. Listen to Your Heater (and Your Wallet!) During Charging
If your heater is making unusual noises during the charging period, it might be worth getting it checked. This can sometimes indicate an issue that could affect its efficiency or safety. Also, pay attention to your electricity meter when the heating is charging. If it’s racing during the “peak” hours (when electricity is expensive), something might be wrong.
6. The “Reset” Button Mystery
Some older models have a reset button, often marked with an ‘R’ or a small pinhole. This button can sometimes help if the heater appears to be malfunctioning or not heating correctly. It’s usually located behind a panel or on the side. Be cautious and consult your manual before pressing it, as it might reset programmed settings.
Storage Heater Controls: A Quick Reference Table
To make things super simple, here’s a quick guide to common storage heater controls and what they do. This can be a handy reference when you’re making adjustments.
| Control Type | Purpose | Adjustment | When to Use | Impact on Heating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Dial/Charge Control | Determines how much heat is stored from the electricity supply overnight. | Typically numbers (1-5) or symbols. Higher numbers mean more heat stored. | Set daily or weekly based on expected weather (colder = higher input). | Affects the total amount of heat available for the day. |
| Output Dial/Heat Control | Regulates the rate at which stored heat is released into the room during the day. | Typically numbers (1-5) or symbols. Higher numbers mean faster heat release. | Adjust as needed throughout the day based on room temperature and occupancy. | Affects comfort levels and how quickly the room heats up. |
| Boost/Manual Override | Allows for a temporary increase in heat release from stored energy. | Often a switch or separate timer. | When you need extra warmth for a short period, not during the main charging time. | Provides extra heat for a limited duration. |
| Thermostat (if present) | Automatically controls the room temperature by sensing the air temperature. | Set to your desired room temperature. | To maintain a consistent comfortable temperature without continuous adjustment. | Prevents overheating and can save energy. |
| Timer/Programmer (if present) | Allows you to set specific times for heating to occur. | Programmed via buttons and a display. | To automate heating based on your daily schedule. | Ensures heat is available when you need it, and saves energy when you don’t. |
Troubleshooting Common Storage Heater Issues
Occasionally, you might run into a snag with your storage heater. Here are a few common problems and how you might fix them:
Heater Not Getting Hot Enough
There are a few reasons this might happen:
- Input setting too low: Check if the input dial was set too low for the weather.
- Output setting too low: The output dial might be turned down, slowing heat release.
- Heater not on during off-peak hours: Ensure your electricity supplier’s off-peak times are correct and your heater is set to charge.
- Faulty timer or thermostat: If you have these features, they might need professional checking.
- Internal fault: The heater’s “bricks” might have degraded over time, or there could be a more significant electrical issue.
For internal faults, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician.
Heater is Too Hot or Overheating
This usually means the input or output settings are too high for your needs.
- Input setting too high: If it’s very warm, reduce the input dial for the next charging period.
- Output setting too high: Turn down the output dial to slow the heat release.
- Thermostat issue: If you have a thermostat, it might be set too high or be faulty.
Always adjust gradually and observe the results.
Strange Noises
A slight crackling or popping sound during charging or discharging is normal as the heating elements expand and contract or the “bricks” settle. However, loud bangs, grinding, or persistent buzzing could indicate a problem. If you hear these, turn off the heater at the main isolator switch (usually a switch near the heater) and contact a qualified heating engineer or electrician.
Heater Won’t Turn On
First, check the obvious:
- Is the main power switch for the heater on?
- Is it currently within the off-peak charging period?
- If it has a boost function, is that engaged?
If it still doesn’t respond, there might be a trip in your fuse box, or the heater itself could have an electrical fault. Always consult an electrician for issues beyond simple checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions beginners have about controlling storage heaters:
Q1: How do I know if I have a storage heater?
A1: Storage heaters are usually bulky, upright units, often found in older homes or properties with electric-only heating. They have visible controls, typically dials, and are connected directly to the mains electricity. They don’t have pipes like a central heating system.
Q2: When should I adjust my storage heater settings?
A2: The input setting is best adjusted based on the weather forecast, typically once a day or less frequently. The output setting is more dynamic and can be adjusted throughout the day as you feel the need for more or less heat.
Q3: Can I control storage heaters with a smartphone?
A3: Most traditional storage heaters cannot be controlled via a smartphone. However, some very modern or retrofitted systems might offer smart controls. You’d need to check your specific model’s features or consult with the installer.
Q4: What is off-peak electricity, and why is it important for storage heaters?
A4: Off-peak electricity is electricity that is cheaper to buy during specific times, usually overnight, when demand on the power grid is lower. Storage heaters rely on this cheaper electricity to “charge” up with heat, making them more cost-effective to run.
Q5: How long do storage heaters take to warm up a room?
A5: Storage heaters release heat gradually. After charging overnight, they will start releasing heat. The output dial controls how quickly this happens. It’s not instant; think of it as releasing stored warmth over several hours for consistent comfort.
Q6: Is it expensive to run storage heaters?
A6: This depends heavily on your electricity tariff, how well your home is insulated, and how you use the controls. By using off-peak electricity and adjusting settings wisely, they can be an affordable way to heat your home, especially compared to panel heaters that heat up instantly. However, if not managed correctly, they can be costly.