Using Electric Storage Heaters
WARNING: the surface of this heater can be hot. Momentary contact with any part of the heater should not cause injury. However, in order to be effective, heaters of any type do get hot, especially around the air outlet grille.
If aged or infirm persons, or young children, are likely to be left unsupervised in the vicinity of a heater, precautions should be
taken to ensure that prolonged contact with the heater cannot occur.
CAUTION: do not cover surfaces of the heater and do not obstruct air outlet grilles. This can cause safety cut-outs to operate.
Do not put clothes, fabrics or any combustible materials on the heater or allow curtains to come within 75mm (3”) of the top/sides of the heater and do not allow furniture to be pushed up against the heater.
No attempt should be made to move the heater.
Do not sit or stand on the heater.
Do not place objects in contact with the heater.
Operating Instructions
Storage heaters work using low tariff, off-peak electricity. Heat is stored up during the cheap, off peak period (overnight) and discharged during the day. Some companies offer a tariff which provides a boost in the middle of the afternoon.
The heater has two controls.
The input control adjusts the amount of heat stored overnight. This needs to be adjusted according to the weather. If colder weather is expected the following day, turn the input control higher. Don't forget to turn it down again when the weather gets warmer to keep bills down.
The output control alters how much heat is given off during the day. The lower this is set, the longer the heat will last during the day. The most suitable settings will be found by experience but it is often a good idea to leave this low during the day and turn higher in the evening. This will help conserve the heat for the end of the day.
In exceptionally cold weather or sometimes late in the evenings, the storage heaters may run out of charge and additional electrical heating may be needed, but with proper use of the controls this should not often be necessary. Some storage heaters have a boost setting to give this extra heat, but it will be more expensive as it does not use off peak electricity.
Setting the Controls
The controls are positioned so they are clearly visible to an adult, but out of sight of young children (so that they are not tempted to tamper with the settings).
Input Control
In cold weather set the input knob to maximum (fully clockwise).
In milder weather set the control to a lower position.
Output Control
Normally the output knob may be left on minimum (fully anticlockwise).
This control may be moved to maximum in the evening if additional heat is needed. Return to minimum before going to bed.
Cleaning
To maintain the external appearance of the radiator it need only be wiped over occasionally with a dry duster. During the summer months, or at other times when the appliance is not in use and is completely cold, the opportunity should be taken to wipe over with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaning powders or furniture polish.
Cost of Running Electric Storage Heaters
People may be worried about how much it will cost to use electric storage heaters.
Where mains gas is not available Electric Storage heaters can be one of the most economical ways to provide heating so long as the controls are used correctly. However, the running costs will depend very much on which utility company supplies the electricity and how it is paid for (paid quarterly, direct debit, pre-payment meter).
If you need help finding out about the different tariffs available call the North Wales Energy Advice Centre, 0800 954 0658.
WARNING: the surface of this heater can be hot. Momentary contact with any part of the heater should not cause injury. However, in order to be effective, heaters of any type do get hot, especially around the air outlet grille.
If aged or infirm persons, or young children, are likely to be left unsupervised in the vicinity of a heater, precautions should be
taken to ensure that prolonged contact with the heater cannot occur.
CAUTION: do not cover surfaces of the heater and do not obstruct air outlet grilles. This can cause safety cut-outs to operate.
Do not put clothes, fabrics or any combustible materials on the heater or allow curtains to come within 75mm (3”) of the top/sides of the heater and do not allow furniture to be pushed up against the heater.
No attempt should be made to move the heater.
Do not sit or stand on the heater.
Do not place objects in contact with the heater.
Operating Instructions
Storage heaters work using low tariff, off-peak electricity. Heat is stored up during the cheap, off peak period (overnight) and discharged during the day. Some companies offer a tariff which provides a boost in the middle of the afternoon.
The heater has two controls.
The input control adjusts the amount of heat stored overnight. This needs to be adjusted according to the weather. If colder weather is expected the following day, turn the input control higher. Don't forget to turn it down again when the weather gets warmer to keep bills down.
The output control alters how much heat is given off during the day. The lower this is set, the longer the heat will last during the day. The most suitable settings will be found by experience but it is often a good idea to leave this low during the day and turn higher in the evening. This will help conserve the heat for the end of the day.
In exceptionally cold weather or sometimes late in the evenings, the storage heaters may run out of charge and additional electrical heating may be needed, but with proper use of the controls this should not often be necessary. Some storage heaters have a boost setting to give this extra heat, but it will be more expensive as it does not use off peak electricity.
Setting the Controls
The controls are positioned so they are clearly visible to an adult, but out of sight of young children (so that they are not tempted to tamper with the settings).
Input Control
In cold weather set the input knob to maximum (fully clockwise).
In milder weather set the control to a lower position.
Output Control
Normally the output knob may be left on minimum (fully anticlockwise).
This control may be moved to maximum in the evening if additional heat is needed. Return to minimum before going to bed.
Cleaning
To maintain the external appearance of the radiator it need only be wiped over occasionally with a dry duster. During the summer months, or at other times when the appliance is not in use and is completely cold, the opportunity should be taken to wipe over with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaning powders or furniture polish.
Cost of Running Electric Storage Heaters
People may be worried about how much it will cost to use electric storage heaters.
Where mains gas is not available Electric Storage heaters can be one of the most economical ways to provide heating so long as the controls are used correctly. However, the running costs will depend very much on which utility company supplies the electricity and how it is paid for (paid quarterly, direct debit, pre-payment meter).
If you need help finding out about the different tariffs available call the North Wales Energy Advice Centre, 0800 954 0658.