Getting the most out of your electric heating

There are three different types of electric heaters:

  • Storage Heaters
  • Combination Heaters
  • Panel Heaters


Storage Heaters
Storage heaters are designed to store new heat overnight and output heat when required, usually on an economy rate of electricity.


How to get the most from your storage heater

  • Make sure the electricity supply is switched ON at the main electric box and ON at the wall next to the heater. Leave the switch ON for the heating season.
  • Check with your supplier that your storage heaters are on an economy rate.

Controls
Storage heater controls are normally located on the top of the unit.


Input settings
Set input to the highest setting, (usually 9) to ensure the maximum amount of heat goes into the storage heater overnight.
1 – 3 = Mild weather conditions
4 – 7 = Cold weather conditions
8 – 9 = Very cold weather conditions


Output settings
To ensure only the minimum amount of heat escapes overnight, set the output to ‘low’ at night time. If you are cold and require extra heat, set the output to higher.

Room temperature boost
Turn the dial to:
1 = No room temperature boost
2 and above = Turn the dial slowly throughout the day/evening until all the heat stored has gone.

Storage heaters will start to operate from approximately midnight through to around 7am. This may vary depending on British Summer Time (BST) settings and can be confirmed with your electricity supplier.


Combination Heaters
Combination heaters are designed to store new heat overnight and output heat when required.


Controls
Combination heater controls are normally located on the top and/or the front of the unit.

Input settings
Set input to the highest setting, (usually 9) to ensure the maximum amount of heat goes into the combination heater overnight.
1 – 3 = Mild weather conditions
4 – 7 = Cold weather conditions
8 – 9 = Very cold weather conditions


Output settings
Make sure the output is on the lowest setting before you go to bed to ensure the minimum amount of heat escapes whilst the heater is storing heat overnight. If you are cold and require extra heat, set the output higher.


Convector control
Make sure this is set to the lowest setting when the room is occupied and switch it off at all other times.


Panel Heaters
Panel heaters are normally located in bedrooms, or small rooms. They are not connected to the economy rate and therefore can be expensive to use.


Controls
Controls are usually on the front of the unit.


Time Clock
The time clock can be set to switch the heater on and off automatically. Pull the tabs forward for ‘on’ periods.

Thermostat
Use the thermostat to choose the setting for the comfort level required.

Auto
Setting to auto allows the heater to be controlled by the time switch.


Half/full heat switch
Switch to half or full heat as required.


Off
Heater off (clock still runs).


Manual
Heater switched on.


General hints and tips
Please note; you will quickly learn how much heat escapes when the output dial is turned from 1 – 9. You will need to monitor the use of this button to obtain the optimum heat in your property throughout the day or evening.


Remember
The higher the room temperature boost or output dial reads, the quicker the heart will be pushed into the room; which may leave you without sufficient heat during the lat evening when the heater will be low on stored heat and ready to store heat again overnight.


Cautionary notes for electric heating:

  • Do not cover or place items on any heaters, especially items that are wet.
  • If water is spilled into the heater, switch it off at the socket and contact us on 020 8801 1117
  • Do not insert any objects through the grill or ventilating slots.
  • As with any heating appliance that may have hot surfaces, keep an eye on young children.