Storage heater boost

cherryblossomzel

Hi all

I've used storage heaters before, but a different model to what I've got at the moment and I'm confused. I've been googling for almost the entire evening now, but advice seems to conflict.

I have a Dimplex CXL heater. I understand the basics of input/output, but the output switch (apparently also called Boost) is numbered from 1 to 9 and next to it it reads

No Boost = 1
Late Boost = 2
Early Boost = 9

I assume that if I leave it at 1 it will just very slowly release heat all day long, and if I turn it to 9, it will immediately start to release heat quickly. I don't get what the "early" and "late" refer to though, it seems counter-intuitive.

For the last couple of days I've left it at 1. It felt warm in the morning, but cold in the evening (though I probably have the input too low at the moment). I work normal hours, so want the place to be warmer in the evenings during the week and maybe all day on the weekend (depending on ambient temp). How do I do that?

ChumpusRex

The boost system on these heaters is semi-automatic.

When you switch to 9, it will keep the boost system active all the time.

This will provide extra heat output in the morning and throughout the day (so, early heat boost).

When set to a lower level, a thermostat mechanism in the heater keeps the boost system off until the main heat store cools down. This way, the boost doesn't come on until late in the day (late boost).

For a weekend, keep the boost setting high, this will keep the house hotter during the day.

For a weekday, keep the boost setting low. This will allow the house to cool a bit during the day, but increase heat output in the evening.

Andy_WSM

Also worth saying that if the boost has any chance of working the input has to be up high too. i.e If you haven't stored the heat in the first place the boost can't release it.

cherryblossomzel

Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense.

Andy - I do think my input is too low at the moment. I'm trying to see how low I can get away with, but it will have to go up. Saving money and all that.

Andy_WSM

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense.

Andy - I do think my input is too low at the moment. I'm trying to see how low I can get away with, but it will have to go up. Saving money and all that.

Keep in mind that the night time electricity is half the price or less, so storing more than you need may be cheaper than using a plug in heater for an hour late in the evening. Also, storing too much and not releasing it is offset a little by needing to store less the next evening. Obviously there will be waste, but not all of it will be wasted as it will "leak" into the very space you are trying to keep warm.

cherryblossomzel

Andy_WSM wrote: »

Also, storing too much and not releasing it is offset a little by needing to store less the next evening. Obviously there will be waste, but not all of it will be wasted as it will "leak" into the very space you are trying to keep warm.

Of course you're right. I think I have a slightly irrational fear of an unexpectedly high electricity bill, which is rubbish, because I check my meter readers fairly regularly, know my charges and manage my acount online, so I know what I'm spending and when to start cutting back.

On second thought - it's not a "slightly" irrational fear, it is completely irrational.