How to use a Traditional Storage Heater

How should a storage heater be operated?
Traditional storage heaters, also known as static storage heaters, generally have two user adjustable controls. However, a high proportion of users do not understand their importance and the impact that correct and regular adjustment can make.
• The input control regulates the amount of overnight charge. In milder weather such as early Autumn or late spring, it makes sense to appreciate that you will not need the same level of stored heat as you would in the depths of the coldest winter nights. Over charging will increase the cost of heating bills whilst, under charging will result in the user having insufficient heat to maintain the room temperature at the desired level throughout the day.Regulation of the input control should therefore, be made on a regular basis according to the climate conditions.
• All storage heaters, regardless of output temperature level, will emit heat continuously providing that there is a charge remaining. This happens because no storage heater can “lock the heat in” completely. Even with the output control switched to its lowest level, heat will transfer. Therefore, one of the main features of a storage heater is to provide a constant “background heat” to a particular room.In the morning when charging has just ended, the core temperature of the internal bricks will be at its highest and subsequently, the natural heat transfer will also be at its peak.
• The output control knob operates a flap that when off, covers openings at the top of the internal storage brick chamber. Because the core temperature is at its highest in the morning, the output control should be set at a lower level. Then, as the day progresses, the core temperature will obviously decrease and subsequently, the output control knob should be increased, this will effectively boost the natural heat transfer to maintain the desired temperature level. By following this basic principle throughout the day, a correctly sized heater will be able to provide a comfortable heating all day long.
• Furthermore, if the user goes out during the day or is not using a particular room then, it is sensible for the storage heater to have a low output setting to conserve as much of the stored heat as possible for use later on when it will be needed.
Visit our User Manuals page for information on how to work your storage heater.