Step-by-Step Radiant Heating Maintenance to Save Energy & Money
What is a storage heater?A storage heater, also known as a night convector, is a type of electric heater that typically makes the most of electricity during off-peak hours.
It distributes heat throughout the room using convection currents. As warm air rises, it draws in cooler air. This, in turn, is heated by the storage. And the cycle continues, distributing heat evenly throughout the room.Have you already decided to purchase a storage heater?
How to Use Modern Storage Radiators
There are new regulations requiring modern storage radiator to have casings to retain more heat, or fans to help distribute warm air throughout the room when needed. They also have more different controls, such as:
• A thermostat to heat the room to the desired temperature.
• Some are equipped with advanced digital controllers, much like a central heating system.
• Others connect to Wi-Fi, so you can control them from your phone.
• Some storage radiators can respond to changes in room temperature and automatically adjust the heating.
Installing Electric Storage Radiators
Storage radiators can be easier to install than gas central heating because they don’t require a gas boiler, piping, or a flue. This generally makes them more economical.
Our installers will show you the best heating options for your needs and budget. They’ll install your radiators and explain how they work. They’ll also leave your home clean and tidy.Cost of an electric storage heater
Heat charging costs
When charging, a small electric storage heater can consume about 1 kW, while larger models may consume about 3 kW. This is a high electricity consumption, but it’s important to remember that this is the maximum power it will use. Some storage heaters stop consuming energy once they’ve accumulated enough heat, so this value is only a guideline.
Running costs
Calculating the running costs of a storage heater is more complicated, as it depends on how much heat the room requires. To give you an idea, a medium-sized storage heater that consumes 2 kW and charges at full power for seven hours off-peak will consume 14 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. At average off-peak electricity rates in October 2022, 20 pence per kWh, that’s £2.80 per day
Seasonal Costs
Of course, you don’t need heating year-round. So, in spring and autumn, the running costs will be much lower, while in summer they may be non-existent. So, by recharging the same storage heater in the previous example for just two hours in the warmer months, the cost will drop to less than 80 cents per day.
Can I repair an electric storage heater?
Without valves, pumps, or burners, storage heaters are simple to use and less prone to failure. However, if your storage stops working, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
• Check that the controls are set correctly
• Check that the storage heater hasn’t turned off simply because someone opened a window in the room
What if none of my storage heater work?
If none of your storage heater work, there’s likely a problem with the heating consumption unit. You can check to see if a circuit breaker has tripped. If not, call an electrician for advice, especially if the problem occurs more than once. How can I get my storage heater repaired?
If you’re having a problem with just one storage heater, you may need a repair. If the storage heater is still under warranty, or you have a maintenance, call the customer service number for advice.
Can I remove a storage heater?
Have you moved into a house with some old storage heaters that you no longer want?
Removal will depend on how the storage heaters is wired. If it only uses a standard socket, you can unplug it and remove it from the wall. Otherwise, you may need an electrician to secure the wiring. If in doubt, always call a qualified electrician to check for you.
Are storage heaters suitable for my home?
Traditionally, storage heaters were recommended if you didn’t have a gas mains connection to your home. Nowadays, some people are looking to replace their central heating with storage heaters for the following reasons:
• They don’t require regular maintenance or servicing
• They have a long lifespan, with some products
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