How do storage heaters know when to come on?

It's not some sort of mystic telepathy with the electric company – the reason storage heaters know when to switch to night-time rates is because they're wired into a separate electricity meter that only activates during the designated off-peak hours.

Do storage heaters only turn on at night?

Most storage heaters will only charge up at night, so you can leave the input setting without danger of using expensive day-rate electricity. The controls also have an output setting that allows you to regulate the amount of heat that the storage heater releases.

How do storage heater controls work?

Basic storage heaters have two main controls, an input (controls how much heat the heater stores) and an output (controls how quickly the heat escapes). Automatic storage heaters have an inbuilt sensor to monitor air temperature. The heater should automatically adjust its charge to match your chosen settings.

Should you turn storage heaters off during the day?

During the day you can adjust the output to suit your needs. Remember, the higher the setting during the day, the less heat is saved for the evening. You can save more heat for the evening by keeping the setting low during the day, such as 1 when the room is warm enough or you are going out.

Do storage heaters release heat at night?

Night storage heaters store up energy during the night, when electricity is cheaper, and then release it during the day. Your heater will have an input setting, allowing you to control how much heat it stores at night and an output setting, to control how much heat it releases during the day.

British Gas : How To Use Electric Storage Heaters



Do storage heaters use a lot of electricity?

Electric storage heater cost

When charging heat, a small electric storage heater may consume about 1kW, while larger models might use nearer 3kW. That's a lot of electricity – but remember it's the maximum amount of power it'll use. And some storage heaters stop using energy when they've stored enough heat.

What are the two switches for storage heaters?

Modern storage heater installations have two power switches and two separate power circuits for off peak and on peak electricity. The power switches are positioned next to each storage heater on the wall. During summer months both power switches should be turned off when heat is not neccessary.

How long do storage heaters stay hot for?

As a rule of thumb though, a storage heater will lose the majority of its stored heat over a 12 hour period.

Are storage heaters cheaper than central heating?

Advantages of storage heaters

Utilises cheap electricity during the night, meaning that they are cheaper than standard electrical heaters. The home will be warm when you wake up in the morning. Cheaper to install than a central heating system and cheaper to maintain and run.

Can you put radiator covers over storage heaters?

"Can I use a radiator cover with a storage heater? No, you should never use radiator cabinets with storage heaters – their high heat output makes them a fire hazard."

Can you have a smart meter with storage heaters?

If the you have storage heaters or under floor heating installed you cannot currently have a smart meter.

Are night storage heaters efficient?

Storage heaters – old and cold

Whilst they can use a cheaper night-time electricity tariff (usually Economy 7 or Economy 10), they actually offer very poor energy efficiency, because the heater begins to lose heat as soon as it's stored.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from storage heaters?

Storage heaters also don't pose carbon monoxide poisoning, as opposed to a gas boiler. If you're the stay-at-home type, or your house is occupied during the day in general, then a storage heater was made for you.

Can you put clothes on a storage heater?

Storage heaters should not be used for drying clothes as this will result in a fire risk in your home. Storage heaters may be found in some common areas outside of your home, such as corridors, stairwells and communal living areas.

Are modern storage heaters cheaper to run?

What's different about new storage heaters? Newer storage heater models have been refined to iron out some of the problems with older models. They are more efficient and cheaper to run for the reasons below: More insulation around the heating core – up to twice as much – means new models hold heat better.

Is Economy 7 going to be phased out?

They said they are phasing it out because it was designed for night storage heaters. Their problem is replacing all the economy 7 meters, not fitting new ones. Their installers do not have any new economy 7 meters to install and it is unlikely this situation will change.

Do storage heaters need servicing?

Although Storage Heaters do not need an annual check like gas systems it is good practise to have them checked once every two years. This should be done by a competent person or electrician.

Why are storage heaters so heavy?

Storage heaters are very heavy and somewhat bulky, due to the material used to store heat. They typically take up more floor space than the radiators used in most other heating systems.

Are Dimplex storage heaters expensive to run?

Running costs

Dimplex Quantum is proven to be up to 27% cheaper to run than a standard storage heater system, and up to 47% cheaper to run than an electric convector or radiator system.

Can you have Economy 7 without storage heaters?

Economy 7 would not be recommended for electrically heated households without storage heaters or a hot water tank, or for households which mainly use electrical appliances during the day, such as a washing machine or a tumble dryer, as the day time rates are more expensive.

What is cheaper gas or electric heating?

Though gas is cheaper to operate on a daily basis, the installation, maintenance expenses and running costs often lead to electricity being the cheaper option to heat your home efficiently. The average lifetime of electric central heating is also something to consider, lasting up to 50% longer than gas boilers.

Why do storage heaters have two switches?

The off-peak switch is just a switch as it has a dedicated electricity circuit. The on-peak switch has a fuse as it is part of another electricity circuit. During the summer months or when heating is not required due to absence from home, switch both switches to the off position.