Electricity Saving Tips: The Benefits of Using Storage Heaters.

How does a storage heater use energy & heat?

The Storage heater is most effective when it takes energy at night, as the outside temperature is coldest then. As the day progresses and the outside temperature rises, the bricks of the storage heater become cooler and hence the heat output decreases - which is exactly what is needed.

By evening, the outside casing has cooled off, meaning most of the heat has been released. However, the storage heater does its job by slowly releasing heat throughout the night so that the room walls act like a large storage heater themselves and maintain comfort overnight.

If the temperature outside plummets at night, your storage heater may not be able to keep up--but don't worry, that's what Output controls are for.

Storage heaters come with ‘input’ and ‘output’ controls

There are two types of storage heaters: those with an input control and those with an output control. Both types are easy to adjust.

Input Control

The 'Input' dictates how much heat is stored overnight.

The primary control is the Input level. This dictates how much heat is stored overnight, and as a result, how hot the casing will be.

The level of comfort in your home and the amount you spend on heating bills are most influenced by how you set your Input control. Just like controlling the heat on a stove, the higher the setting, the more heat that's stored and then given off. In winter, you'll need to use the maximum setting, but it can be lowered in autumn and spring to save money.

Older model storage heaters typically have the input and output controls located on the top or side of the heater. They might resemble this:

• By adjusting the controls seasonally, you can use less energy than needed in the summer and be sure your heater will work throughout the day.
  
• Some storage heaters have a 'boost' setting that gives you extra heat when needed. However, using the 'boost' often uses more peak-time electricity than is necessary, as opposed to utilising the energy stored in your heater from overnight.
  
• With more than one storage heater, you have the option to control each device singly.

Output Controls

‘Output’ controls how much heat to give out during the day

The original storage heaters simply released heat from the casing. However, when Economy 7 was promoted in the 1980's, manufacturers sought to release as much of the heat stored in the brick as possible. To this end, they developed a damper valve or output control. When opened, air directly enters and is released from the grille at the top of heater core.

The Output control is now a bimetal that only activates the damper valve to release heat when the brick core starts cooling down. By using a bimetal, the Output control can be set once and then left to operate automatically day after day. If you set it to minimum, it will not activate the damper valve at all; if you set it to maximum, the bimetal will open the valve in early afternoon—perfect for commercial settings. For domestic customers, we recommend setting it somewhere between 'min' and 'max,' which will open the damper valve in early evening hours.

The output control determines the amount of heat throughout your home. The higher you turn it,

the warmer your house will be. However, this also uses more energy.

Use the output control to gradually release heat throughout the day by setting it at a low temperature like 1 or 2. Then, you should have enough heat when evening arrives and it's typically colder outside. If you'll be gone during daylight hours, make sure to turn the device down before leaving to save energy.

Boost Buttons On Storage Heaters

Many people with storage heaters are unaware of the high electricity bills they accumulate from innocently using the boost button. The boost button allows for additional electric power to be used in order to create more heat, even when all stored warmth has been used up overnight.

If you frequently use the boost button, you may want to consider raising your input dial and lowering your output. By doing this, you're using energy directly from your mains, but at a much higher rate. On some tariffs, this can cost up to four times as much as nighttime energy.

Are storage heaters expensive to run?

While storage heaters are energy efficient because all the electricity they use is converted into heat, electric heating can be expensive since, typically, electricity costs more than gas. To make using an electric heater more cost effective, select a tariff that charges less for electricity during off-peak times.

How do I set my storage heater controls? 

The on/off switch for storage heaters is located on the wall and resembles a light switch. You should keep this turned "on" during colder times of the year. New models usually have automatic controls, while older models require manual operation.

Modern storage heaters

• The newer models of storage heaters are automatic. The thermostat allows you to set your desired room temperature and once that is complete, the heater will automatically manage the input and output.

• In order to adhere to the new 2018 rules, many designers have opted for adding casings to help preserve heat or extra fans to keep the room at an even temperature. Not only does this help the environment, but it conserves energy as well.

• Some more advanced and sophisticated heaters have intelligent charging so they can store the correct amount of heat. They may connect to your home's WiFi network, allowing you to control the heater from your phone or other device. Some can even respond automatically to changes in temperature within the room and adjust heating accordingly.

Older storage heaters

• Most older storage heaters have two controls, which can be found on the top right of the heater, sometimes under a flap.

• The ‘input’ button on yourstorage heater controls how much heat you store overnight. You should adjust the input control according to the weather outside. In Spring, Summer, and Autumn, adjust the input control based on how warm it is outside. If it is very warm and you don’t need any heating, turn off the switch at the wall. In Winter, we recommend setting the input to max, especially in your main living space

• The 'output' button on your thermostat regulates how quickly the stored heat is released. The more you turn it up, the faster the heat will come out and warming up the room. Conversely, make sure to keep it at minimum when leaving home or overnight to save energy. When you're back during daytime hours, bring it up again accordingly.

Our tips for using storage heaters 

If you've never used a storage heater before, don't worry! These tips will help get you started:

• A storage heater guard is beneficial if you have small children or pets in your home as they can become very hot.
• Keep storage heaters away from curtains.
• To prevent injury, never touch the surface of a storage heater or block the air vents.

Are storage heaters right for my home?

Storage heaters are best for people who don't have access to a mains gas supply, but some use them as their main heating source regardless.

The benefits of electric storage heaters include:

• If you're on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff, storage heaters help you save money by utilising off-peak electricity prices.
• While other wall heaters and central heating systems can be difficult to install, storage heaters are simple.
• These products don't need consistent servicing or replacement, often lasting for many years.
• If you don't have central heating in your home, storage heaters are a fantastic option to consider.
• You can help the environment by using electricity instead of gas, especially if your tariff is renewable or low carbon.
  

Are storage heaters right for my business?

Storage heaters can be a great option for businesses that need to heat a large space. They work by storing heat in ceramic bricks or metal coils, and then releasing the heat gradually over time. This allows businesses to keep their space warm without having to constantly run their heating system. Additionally, storage heaters can help to reduce energy costs by using less energy overall.

However, storage heaters are not right for every business. They tend to work best in spaces that are well-insulated and have high ceilings. Businesses that have storage heaters should also have a backup heating system in case of a power outage. Overall, storage heaters can be a great option for businesses that need to heat a large space but they are not right for every business.

Should you turn storage heaters off during the day?

As anyone who has ever used a storage heater knows, they can be very handy for providing heat in a room during the colder months. However, many people are unsure about whether or not they should turn their storage heaters off during the day. There are benefits to both leaving them on and turning them off, so it really depends on your specific situation. One benefit of leaving storage heaters on is that you will always have a source of heat in case the temperature outside drops unexpectedly. However, if you live in an area with mild winters, this may not be necessary.

Turning storage heaters off during the day can help you save money on your energy bill. If you have a timer on your storage heater, you can also program it to turn on a few minutes before you need it, so you don't have to waste energy heating up an empty room. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to turn storage heaters off during the day is up to you. Consider your needs and make the choice that makes the most sense for your home.