Storage Heater Advice
How to Use a Storage Heater
The Complete Guide to Using Manual & Digital Storage Heaters
If you’ve recently moved into a property with storage heaters or you’re unsure how to get the best performance from your existing heating system, you’re not alone. Storage heaters work differently from standard electric radiators and understanding how they operate can help improve comfort while making the best use of your electricity tariff.
- Manual Controls Explained
- Digital Heater Guidance
- Practical Usage Tips
Understanding the Basics
What Is a Storage Heater?
A storage heater is an electric heating appliance that stores heat during the night using lower-cost off-peak electricity, such as Economy 7 or Night Saver tariffs. Inside the heater are specially designed high-density bricks that absorb heat overnight and slowly release it throughout the day.
Unlike ordinary electric heaters that generate heat instantly, storage heaters are designed to store energy when electricity is cheaper and release it later when you need it.
Modern storage heaters use improved insulation and intelligent electronic controls, making them far more efficient and easier to use than older models.
How Does a Storage Heater Work?
Storage heaters contain electric heating elements that warm heat-retaining bricks during off-peak hours. Once charged, the bricks gradually release heat into the room.
The amount of heat stored depends on:
- The Input setting
- The outside temperature
- The room size
- The amount of insulation in your home
- Your electricity tariff
Older storage heaters require manual adjustment, while newer digital models automatically calculate how much heat to store based on your programmed settings.
The Two Main Controls
Understanding Input & Output
Older storage heaters usually use two manual controls. Understanding the difference between them is the key to getting useful heat at the right time of day.
01
Understanding the Input Control
The Input control determines how much heat the storage heater stores overnight.
Higher Input settings allow the heater to store more heat for colder days, while lower settings are suitable during milder weather.
WinterHigh
Spring & AutumnMedium
SummerLow or Off
The correct setting depends on the weather, your home’s insulation and how much heating you require.
02
Understanding the Output Control
The Output control determines how quickly the stored heat is released into the room.
Keeping the Output setting low allows the heater to retain heat for longer. Increasing the Output releases the stored heat more quickly when extra warmth is needed.
A common mistake is leaving the Output control on maximum all day, which can cause the heater to release all of its stored heat too early.
Older Manual Models
How to Use an Older Storage Heater
Older storage heaters usually have two manual controls: Input and Output. For best results:
- Set the Input according to the expected weather.
- Leave the Output on a low setting overnight.
- Increase the Output only when you need additional heat.
- Reduce the Output again once the room reaches a comfortable temperature.
- Adjust the Input every few days as the weather changes.
With a little practice, you’ll find the settings that work best for your home.
Modern Digital Models
How to Use Digital Storage Heaters
Modern digital storage heaters, such as the Dimplex Quantum and Dimplex XLE, remove much of the guesswork.
Instead of manually adjusting Input and Output controls, you simply programme your preferred temperatures and heating times. The heater automatically decides how much heat to store overnight based on your settings.
- Digital thermostats
- Seven-day programming
- Automatic charging
- Holiday mode
- Child lock
- Fan-assisted heat release
- Easy-to-read displays
These features make modern storage heaters more convenient and comfortable to use.
Better Performance
Tips for Better Performance
To get the best performance from your storage heater:
- Keep furniture away from the heater.
- Do not block the air vents.
- Clean dust from the heater regularly.
- Adjust settings as the seasons change.
- Make sure your Economy 7 or Night Saver tariff is working correctly.
- Have faulty heaters inspected by a qualified storage heater electrician.
Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to comfort and efficiency.
Things to Avoid
Common Storage Heater Mistakes
Many homeowners unintentionally reduce the performance of their storage heaters. Common mistakes include:
- Setting the Output too high overnight.
- Forgetting to adjust the Input as the weather changes.
- Blocking air circulation around the heater.
- Expecting instant heat like a standard electric radiator.
- Leaving windows open while the heater is operating.
Understanding how your heater works will help you achieve the best results.
Storage Heater Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage heaters can behave very differently depending on their age, controls and off-peak electricity supply. These are some of the questions we’re asked most often.
If your heater is not charging, not producing enough heat or you are unsure whether the issue is with the controls or the heater itself, our fault finder can help you narrow down the likely cause.
- Why is my storage heater cold in the morning?
This could be caused by incorrect settings, a faulty heating element, a thermostat problem or an issue with your off-peak electricity supply.
- Does the Output control use more electricity?
No. The Output control simply controls how quickly the stored heat is released. It does not increase the amount of electricity used overnight.
- Should I leave my storage heater on all the time?
Storage heaters are designed to charge automatically overnight during off-peak hours. The controls should be adjusted according to the weather and your heating requirements.
- Why isn't my storage heater charging?
Possible causes include a faulty heating element, thermostat, Economy 7 timer or electrical supply fault.
Repair, Replace or Upgrade?
When Should You Upgrade Your Storage Heaters?
If your storage heaters are over 15–20 years old, difficult to control or no longer provide enough heat, it may be worth upgrading to a modern digital storage heater.
Today’s high heat retention storage heaters offer:
- Better heat retention
- Improved comfort
- Digital controls
- Automatic charging
- Greater energy efficiency
- Easier operation
Our electricians can advise whether repairing your existing heaters or upgrading to a modern system is the better option.
Need Help?
Need Help With Your Storage Heater?
Whether you need help using your storage heater, require a repair or are considering upgrading to a modern digital storage heating system, Storage-Heater.ie is here to help.
We provide expert advice, professional repairs and installation services throughout Dublin.
