Storage heaters can seem a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to them. You might wonder why they aren’t giving you the warmth you expect or if you’re using them right. It’s a common puzzle, but don’t worry!
This guide will show you exactly how to get storage heaters working efficiently. We’ll walk through it step-by-step, making it super simple.
Understanding How Storage Heaters Work
Storage heaters are a clever way to heat your home using cheaper, off-peak electricity. They work by absorbing heat from the electricity overnight when prices are lower. This stored heat is then released during the day when you need it.
The main parts are the heating elements that warm up the bricks inside and the insulation that keeps the heat in. How much heat they store and release depends on a few settings you can control.
The Core Components
At the heart of a storage heater are special high-density refractory bricks. These bricks are designed to hold a lot of heat. When the off-peak electricity flows through the heating elements, it makes these bricks very hot.
The amount of electricity the heater draws is controlled by an input control knob. This knob determines how much heat the bricks absorb overnight.
Surrounding these hot bricks is a layer of insulation. This insulation is key to keeping the heat inside the heater until you need it. Without good insulation, the heat would escape too quickly, and the heater wouldn’t be efficient.
The outer casing of the heater helps to direct the released heat into your room. Some heaters have a fan to help push warm air out faster, while others rely on natural convection.
Off-Peak Electricity Explained
Many homes with storage heaters are connected to a dual-rate electricity meter. This meter offers two different prices for electricity: a higher rate during peak hours (when most people use electricity) and a much lower rate during off-peak hours (usually overnight). Storage heaters are designed to take advantage of these cheaper off-peak rates.
This means they charge up when electricity is cheapest.
The off-peak times are set by your electricity supplier. They typically run for several hours overnight, often starting around midnight and finishing in the early morning. This is the window when your storage heater will draw power to heat up its internal bricks.
The exact times can vary slightly by region and supplier, so it’s good to know your specific off-peak schedule.
Using off-peak electricity is the main reason storage heaters can be more cost-effective for heating. If you tried to heat your home with a storage heater during peak hours, it would be much more expensive. Understanding this dual-rate system is the first step to using your storage heaters wisely.
How Heat Is Released
Once the bricks are hot, the heater releases this stored warmth. This release happens in two main ways. The first is through natural radiation and convection from the heater’s surfaces.
As the bricks cool, they give off heat into the surrounding air, slowly warming the room. This is a gentle way to heat your space.
Some modern storage heaters also have a controllable fan. This fan can be switched on to actively push warm air out of the heater and into the room. Using the fan can provide a quicker boost of heat when needed, but it also uses a small amount of electricity from your main supply, not just the stored heat.
You can usually control how much the fan is used, or if it’s used at all, to manage heat release.
The rate at which heat is released is influenced by the heater’s design and the room temperature. When the room is colder, more heat will naturally transfer from the heater to the air. As the room warms up, the rate of heat release will slow down.
It’s a passive system that aims to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without constant intervention.
Optimizing Storage Heater Controls
The key to efficient storage heater use lies in understanding and adjusting their controls. Most storage heaters have two main dials: an input control and an output control. Getting these set correctly for your needs and the weather is crucial.
It takes a little trial and error, but once you find the right settings, your home will be warm and cozy without wasting energy.
Understanding the Input Control
The input control is the dial that determines how much electricity the heater draws overnight to charge its bricks. It’s usually marked with numbers, often from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10. A higher number means the heater will absorb more electricity and store more heat.
A lower number means it will store less heat.
This control should be adjusted based on the expected temperature for the following day. If a very cold day is forecast, you’ll want to set the input control higher to ensure the heater stores enough heat to last. If a milder day is expected, you can set it lower to avoid overheating and wasting stored energy.
Many people set this dial before they go to bed.
For example, on a winter night with freezing temperatures predicted, you might set your input control to 8 or 9. On a milder autumn evening, a setting of 3 or 4 might be sufficient. It’s important to experiment with this dial over a few days to see what works best for your home’s insulation and your personal comfort levels.
Understanding the Output Control
The output control manages how quickly the stored heat is released into the room throughout the day. This dial often has markings like ‘Min’ or ‘1’ up to ‘Max’ or ‘5’. A lower setting will release heat slowly, providing a gentle warmth for longer.
A higher setting will release heat more quickly, giving you a faster burst of warmth.
This control is particularly useful for managing comfort levels as the day progresses. If you find your home is getting too warm in the afternoon, you might reduce the output setting. Conversely, if you feel chilly in the morning, you can increase it to get more heat released earlier.
The output control is often linked to a thermostat on the heater itself. This thermostat measures the air temperature around the heater and adjusts the heat release accordingly. Some heaters have a manual output control, while others have an automatic thermostat.
If you have a manual control, you’ll need to adjust it yourself as the day changes. Setting this too high can lead to a very hot room and then a cold one as the stored heat runs out quickly.
Finding Your Ideal Settings
The best way to find your ideal settings is through observation and adjustment. Start by setting the input control based on the weather forecast. Then, set the output control to a medium level, perhaps around 3 or 4.
Throughout the day, pay attention to how warm your home is. Is it too hot? Too cold?
Does it stay warm enough until bedtime?
If your home feels too warm in the afternoon, try lowering the output control slightly the next day. If it gets cold too quickly, increase the output control. If you’re consistently running out of heat, you might need to increase the input control setting for the next night.
This process takes a few days, but it’s worth it for consistent comfort and efficiency.
Consider the time of day you need the most heat. If you’re home all day, you’ll want a steady release. If you’re out during the day and only need heat in the evenings, you might want to set the output control lower for the morning and allow it to release more heat later.
Weather patterns can change quickly, so be prepared to adjust your settings as needed.
Maintaining Your Storage Heaters for Efficiency
Like any appliance, storage heaters need a little care to keep them running their best. Regular cleaning and occasional checks can prevent issues and ensure they are working as efficiently as possible. Neglected heaters can become less effective and potentially cost you more in energy bills.
Regular Cleaning
Dust and debris can build up on and around your storage heaters, especially on the vents and fan blades if you have an fan-assisted model. This buildup can block airflow, making the heater less effective at distributing heat and potentially causing it to overheat. Cleaning is simple and makes a big difference.
Turn off the heater at the mains switch before cleaning. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from the outer casing, vents, and any grilles. You can also wipe down the casing with a damp cloth, but ensure the heater is completely dry before turning it back on.
Pay special attention to the area around the fan if your heater has one, as dust can easily accumulate there.
Regular cleaning, perhaps once every few months, is sufficient for most homes. If you have pets that shed a lot of fur, you might need to clean them more often. A clean heater can more effectively transfer its stored heat into your living space, improving comfort and reducing the need for higher settings.
Checking for Blockages
Storage heaters work by releasing heat into the room. If anything is blocking the airflow around the heater, this process will be hindered. This includes furniture, curtains, or even large rugs placed too close to the unit.
It’s important to ensure the heater has adequate space around it to function properly.
Make sure that at least 30cm (about 12 inches) of clear space is maintained around the heater. Avoid placing items directly on top of the heater, as this can trap heat and potentially be a fire hazard. Also, ensure that curtains do not hang in front of the heater, as this will prevent the warm air from circulating freely into the room.
For fan-assisted models, it’s especially important to check that the air intake and outlet vents are not obstructed. Blocked vents can restrict airflow, making the fan work harder and less effectively. This can lead to reduced heat output and increased energy consumption for the fan itself.
Professional Servicing
While most maintenance can be done by homeowners, it’s a good idea to have your storage heaters professionally serviced every few years. A qualified electrician or heating engineer can check the internal components, such as the heating elements and thermostats, to ensure they are functioning correctly. They can also identify any potential issues that you might not be aware of.
A service check can include testing the thermostat accuracy, inspecting the insulation for degradation, and ensuring all safety features are in good working order. If your heater is making unusual noises, not heating up as much as it used to, or if you notice any smells, it’s definitely time to call a professional. Regular servicing can extend the lifespan of your heaters and ensure they are running at peak efficiency.
Statistics show that regular maintenance can improve the efficiency of heating systems by up to 15%. For storage heaters, this means less wasted energy and lower electricity bills. A professional service provides peace of mind, knowing your heating system is safe and operating optimally.
It’s a worthwhile investment for keeping your home warm and your running costs down.
Troubleshooting Common Storage Heater Issues
Even with proper settings and maintenance, you might occasionally encounter problems with your storage heaters. Understanding common issues and their likely causes can help you resolve them quickly or know when to call a professional. Many problems are surprisingly simple to fix.
Heater Not Getting Warm
If your storage heater is not getting warm at all, the first thing to check is the power supply. Ensure the heater is switched on at the mains isolator switch, usually located near the unit or in your fuse box. Also, check if there’s a timer controlling the power and if it’s set correctly for off-peak hours.
Another common cause is the input control being set too low. If the dial is set very low, the heater won’t absorb enough heat overnight. Try increasing the input setting for the next night and see if that makes a difference.
If the heater still doesn’t warm up, there might be a fault with the heating element or thermostat, which would require professional inspection.
Heater Too Hot or Not Hot Enough
This issue usually relates to the input and output controls. If the heater is too hot, you might have the input control set too high for the current weather, or the output control is set to release heat too quickly. Try reducing the input setting for the next charge cycle or lowering the output control.
If the heater isn’t hot enough, it could be the opposite problem. The input control might be set too low, meaning it’s not storing enough heat. Alternatively, the output control might be set too low, releasing heat too slowly.
Adjust the input control upwards or the output control upwards, depending on whether you need more stored heat or faster release.
The efficiency of your home’s insulation also plays a big role. A poorly insulated home will lose heat faster, making it seem like the heater isn’t working effectively. Improving insulation can help your storage heater keep the room consistently warm.
Fan Not Working (for fan-assisted models)
If your fan-assisted storage heater’s fan isn’t turning on, check if the fan has been accidentally switched off. Many models have a separate switch or setting for the fan. If the fan is switched on but still not working, there could be a problem with the fan motor or its power supply.
This is something that a qualified technician will need to diagnose and repair.
A dirty fan blade or blocked vents can also prevent the fan from operating correctly or effectively. Ensure all vents are clear of dust and obstructions. If the fan is running but sounds noisy or isn’t moving much air, it might indicate a fault that needs attention.
Remember, the fan is designed to boost heat distribution. If it’s not working, the heater will still release heat through natural convection, but it might take longer to warm the room. Relying on natural convection with a faulty fan might mean you need to set the output control higher.
Unusual Noises
While storage heaters are generally quiet, some occasional noises are normal, such as slight creaks as they heat up or cool down. However, loud banging, hissing, or buzzing sounds are not typical and could indicate a problem. Hissing might suggest water is leaking into the heating elements, which is a serious issue.
Buzzing could be related to electrical components.
If you hear any persistent or unusual noises, it’s best to switch off the heater at the mains and have it inspected by a qualified professional. Ignoring these sounds could lead to further damage or safety concerns. Regular servicing can often catch these potential issues before they become major problems.
Real-World Examples and Scenarios
To better understand how to get storage heaters working efficiently, let’s look at some practical examples. These scenarios highlight how different settings and conditions affect warmth and energy use.
Scenario 1: A Cold Winter Week
It’s mid-January, and temperatures are expected to be around 0-5 degrees Celsius (32-41 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and below freezing overnight. You are home most of the day.
- Input Control Setting: Set to 8 or 9. This ensures the heater stores a maximum amount of heat overnight, as the cold will cause heat to escape more quickly from your home.
- Output Control Setting: Set to 5 or ‘Max’ for the morning hours. This releases the stored heat quickly to warm the house when you wake up. As the day progresses and the house reaches a comfortable temperature, you might gradually reduce this to 3 or 4 to maintain warmth without overheating.
- Expected Result: A consistently warm home throughout the day, utilizing the full potential of stored heat to combat the cold weather. You might need to adjust the output down by late afternoon.
This approach ensures that even on the coldest days, there’s enough heat to keep the house comfortable. It prioritizes maximum heat storage due to the high energy demand during winter.
Scenario 2: A Mild Spring Day
It’s April, and the forecast shows daytime temperatures around 15-18 degrees Celsius (59-64 degrees Fahrenheit). You are out at work for most of the day and only need some background warmth in the evenings.
- Input Control Setting: Set to 3 or 4. Since it’s milder and you won’t be home all day, storing a moderate amount of heat is sufficient. Overcharging would lead to wasted energy.
- Output Control Setting: Set to 2 or 3 for the morning. This provides gentle warmth as you get ready. Then, once you return in the evening, you might increase it to 4 or 5 for a couple of hours to quickly bring the room to your desired comfort level, and then reduce it to maintain.
- Expected Result: Your home will feel comfortable when you return in the evening, without being overly hot during the day when you’re not there. This conserves energy and reduces your electricity bill.
This strategy focuses on energy conservation by only charging and releasing the necessary amount of heat. It acknowledges that less heat is required when outside temperatures are higher.
Scenario 3: Unexpected Cold Snap
You wake up one morning in early autumn, and it’s much colder than expected, with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) when you thought it would be milder. You are home today.
In this situation, your storage heater likely charged based on milder weather, so it won’t have as much stored heat as you need. The input control for the previous night might have been set too low. The output control will already be trying its best to release the limited stored heat.
What you can do is immediately turn the output control to its maximum setting to get the most heat out of what’s available. You’ll also need to plan to increase the input control significantly for the next night’s charge to compensate for this unexpectedly cold day. This reactive adjustment helps manage immediate comfort while preparing for continued cold.
Tips for Energy Savings
Using storage heaters efficiently is all about smart energy management. By following a few key tips, you can keep your home warm and reduce your electricity costs.
- Understand Your Tariff: Know exactly when your off-peak electricity hours are. If you can manually control when your heater charges, make sure it’s only during these cheaper times. Many heaters have an automatic timer for this, but it’s good to be aware.
- Check the Weather Forecast: Adjust your input settings daily based on expected temperatures. Colder days need more stored heat, while milder days need less. This prevents overheating and wasted energy.
- Use Curtains and Blinds Wisely: Close heavy curtains and blinds at night to help keep heat inside your home. This reduces the workload on your storage heaters. Open them during the day to let in natural sunlight, which also provides some free warmth.
- Insulate Your Home: Improving your home’s insulation is one of the most effective ways to make storage heaters work efficiently. Proper loft and wall insulation, along with draft-proofing windows and doors, will significantly reduce heat loss.
- Consider a Smart Thermostat: Some modern storage heaters are compatible with smart home systems or have built-in smart controls. These can learn your habits and adjust heating schedules automatically, optimizing both comfort and energy usage.
These tips focus on making the most of the stored heat and minimizing the energy needed to keep your home warm. Consistent application of these practices can lead to noticeable savings on your electricity bills. It’s about working with your heating system, not against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should I clean my storage heater?
Answer: You should aim to clean your storage heater every few months. Dust can build up on the vents and casing, which can make it less efficient at releasing heat. A quick wipe down and vacuum around the unit is usually enough.
Question: Can I leave my input control on maximum all the time?
Answer: It’s generally not recommended to leave the input control on maximum all the time. This can lead to overheating and wasted energy, especially during milder weather. It’s best to adjust it based on the daily forecast.
Question: My storage heater is making a strange noise, what should I do?
Answer: Unusual noises like banging, hissing, or buzzing are not normal. You should switch off the heater at the mains power supply and contact a qualified electrician or heating engineer to inspect it. It could indicate a fault that needs professional attention.
Question: How do I know when my storage heater is charging?
Answer: You can usually tell if your storage heater is charging by listening for a gentle hum or by feeling a slight warmth emanating from it during your off-peak electricity hours. Some models may also have an indicator light.
Question: Is it better to have storage heaters or a regular central heating system?
Answer: Storage heaters can be more cost-effective if you have access to cheap off-peak electricity and can plan your heating usage. Regular central heating offers more instant control and flexibility but can be more expensive to run if using standard electricity tariffs.
Summary
Mastering how to get storage heaters working efficiently involves understanding their controls and maintenance. By setting the input and output dials based on weather, keeping them clean, and ensuring good insulation, you can enjoy a warm home while saving energy. Small adjustments can make a big difference to your comfort and bills.