Setting the input and output dials on your storage heater effectively is key to maintaining a comfortable home while managing energy consumption. The input dial controls how much heat your storage heater stores overnight using off-peak electricity, while the output dial determines how much of that stored heat is released into your room during the day.
Understanding Your Storage Heater Dials
Storage heaters typically feature two primary controls:
- Input Control (Charge Control): This dial manages the amount of electrical energy the heater takes in and stores as heat during the cheaper, off-peak hours (usually overnight).
- Output Control (Discharge Control): This dial regulates how quickly or slowly the stored heat is released from the heater into your living space throughout the day.
Mastering these settings allows you to customize your heating to suit your lifestyle and the external temperature, ensuring warmth when you need it most and avoiding wasted energy.
Setting the Input Dial (Charge Control)
The input dial dictates how much heat your storage heater will store overnight. A higher setting will store more heat, making it suitable for colder weather, while a lower setting is ideal for milder conditions.
Practical Tips for Input Settings:
- Assess the Weather: Check the overnight and next day's forecast.
- Mild Weather: If it's not too cold, a lower input setting is sufficient. For example, setting it to '4' on the dial might be an appropriate low-to-medium setting to store enough heat without overcharging.
- Cold Weather: For colder days or if you anticipate needing more heat, increase the input setting.
- Freezing Temperatures: On exceptionally cold nights, you might need to set the input to its maximum.
- Consider Room Size and Insulation: Larger rooms or those with poor insulation may require a higher input setting.
- Lifestyle: If you are home all day, you might need a slightly higher input to ensure sufficient heat throughout.
| Weather Condition | Input Setting Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Mild / Not Too Cold | Low (e.g., 3-5) | Stores less heat, saves energy, prevents overheating. |
| Moderate Cold | Medium (e.g., 5-7) | Provides a good balance of warmth for typical winter days. |
| Very Cold / Freezing | High (e.g., 8-9 or Max) | Ensures maximum heat storage for sustained warmth in harsh conditions. |
Note: Dial numbers can vary between models (e.g., 1-6, 1-9, or 'Min' to 'Max'). Adjust based on your heater's specific range.
Setting the Output Dial (Discharge Control)
The output dial controls how much heat is given off during the day. This is crucial for managing comfort and preventing heat from being released when it's not needed.
Practical Tips for Output Settings:
- Occupancy:
- When You Are Out: If you are out of the house for most of the day, you should keep this dial very low or even off. This conserves the stored heat for when you return home, preventing energy waste.
- When You Are Home: Set it higher when you are at home and require warmth.
- Desired Temperature: Adjust the output to achieve your preferred room temperature.
- Progression of the Day: Some people might start with a higher output in the morning for a quick warm-up, then reduce it later in the day as the room naturally retains some warmth or as the heater's stored heat diminishes.
- Avoid Overheating: Setting the output too high too early can exhaust the stored heat before the day is over, leaving you cold later.
Optimizing Your Settings for Efficiency
Efficient use of storage heaters can lead to significant energy savings.
- Experiment and Adjust: It takes some trial and error to find the perfect settings for your home and lifestyle. Don't be afraid to adjust the dials daily or weekly based on weather changes.
- Avoid Constant High Settings: Running both input and output on maximum all the time is rarely necessary and will lead to higher energy bills.
- Complementary Heating: For very short bursts of heat, an electric fan heater might be more efficient than drawing heavily from your storage heater's reserve.
- Consider Smart Controls: Some modern storage heaters or systems offer smart controls, allowing for programming and even remote adjustments, which can further optimize energy usage.
- Insulation: Good home insulation (loft, wall, double glazing) will significantly improve your storage heater's efficiency, helping to retain the heat it produces. Learn more about improving home energy efficiency.
Common Adjustments
- Too Cold: If your room is consistently too cold, increase the input setting slightly for the next overnight charge. You might also need to increase your output setting during the day.
- Too Hot: If your room is too warm, reduce the input setting for the next charge. If it's too warm right now, reduce the output setting.
By understanding these controls and making informed adjustments, you can ensure your storage heaters provide efficient and comfortable heating tailored to your needs.
