Storage Heaters

seven-day-weekend

We are in the process of buying a BTL flat. It is all electric and the wiring and storage heaters were replaced in 2008 (we have certificates for this).

Before we have a tenant in, can somebody explain how most efficiently to use the storage heaters? I want to be able to explain to the tenant if they don't know, thereby forestalling any complaints. AFAIK there is an Economy Seven meter fitted.

Thanks!

macman

Use E7 to heat the NSH's overnight on cheap rate, and also to heat the hot water, assuming that an immersion heater is also fitted. The latter should have a timer on it so it can be switched on for a couple of hours before the end of the overnight cheap rate.
The tenants should be aware that any usage out of cheap rate hours comes at a considerable premium, so if they use a convector to 'top up' late evening, it will cost them.
E7 is primarily about lifestyle: it suits some very well, and others not at all-generally less effective for those out all day and in the evenings.

G_M

Most storage heaters have an input and output control.

The input controls how much heat they they build up during the (cheap-rate) night. So in winter typically you have it high and when the weather is warmer you might have it lower (thus using less electricity).

The output controls how the heat is released during the day. If the occupants are at home all day, they will want heat released steadily throughout the day. If they are out at work till the evening, they will want to store the heat as long as possible before releasing it in the evening.

If you do not have the instructions, google the make/model of the heaters. Most instructions can be found on the internet and downloaded to give the tenants as part of their Tenant Pack, along with all the other instructions about the property, locality, LL contacts, EPC, GSC etc.

These posts may also help:

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