Controlling Input in my Storage Heater

G89

I was hoping to be able to post a photo of the heater controls but as I'm a new user it's not allowing me to use links. (FAO admin: would it be possible for me to send the photo to you and you post it for me?)

The heater has two dials on the right hand side. The top dial goes from min-1-5-max and controls the output. The bottom dial is a 24 hour clock with little "buttons" representing 20 minute slots. When a 20 minute slot is pressed in, the heater gives out heat during that time of day. Not pressed in and the heater is completely cold.
There is also a switch between the two dials with 3 settings; min, a neutral setting and auto.

My main question is how I can control the input given there seems to be no input dial, or similar. Will this type of heater simply store the same amount of heat overnight and I can't change that? These are bedroom heaters so I'm worried I'm wasting a lot of electricity taking in more heat than I need.

Some other questions I had were:

• The heater seems to stop outputting heat when I go below output 3. There is an audible click as you pass this point. In my previous flat where I had an input/output dial one of the radiators did the same thing, possibly minus the sound. Is this likely a fault?
• The radiator makes quite a loud buzzing sound and is very noticeable when I'm trying to sleep. Is this normal?
• Does anyone have any general advice on how best to use the output timer?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

you don't have a storage heater, description sounds like a panel heater, something like this,



it won't store heat.

Heat setting is usually high/low and 'timer' allows you to set it to come on go off at set times, depending what buttons are pushed in.

In a bedroom it could be set to go on half an hour before going to bed or half an hour before getting up in morning, to take chill off room.

Post your link for photo and someone will put it up for you.

G89

Hi, thanks for your help. Here is the link:

h ttps://s28.postimg.org/n5wyh0031/20161216_095819.jpg

Just remove the space after the first h.

I was beginning to suspect it wasn't a storage heater. Feel a little silly now!

Thanks again.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

molerat

It is a panel heater not a storage heater.

Top knob is the thermostat and controls the room temp.
middle switch auto = timed, man = on
bottom timer sets the on/off periods when selected to auto

similar to this one in operation except you don't have the single/dual element switch https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1030640/Unidare-Upx750.html

[Deleted User]

Hi,

are you on E7, do you have storage heaters in other rooms?

If you are using this on normal rate, then it could be quite expensive.

footyguy

A storage heater contains bricks (special ones that retain the heat)
Therefore any storage heater is usually at least about 3 inches / 7.5cm thick.

A panel heater by comparison is typically nor more than 1 inch /2.5cm thick

Electrical heaters, unless they incorporate a fan, should not usually make any noise
(Those with accute hearing may sometimes hear a faint buzz, but certainly not enough to keep you awake)
I suggest you have the heater inspected by a suitably qualified electrician if it's making a loud noise.

G89

Thanks for all the responses, this is really helpful.

Yes we are on economy 7 which is why I was originally assuming storage heaters. We only have one storage heater then, which is in living room.

When the manual/auto switch is set to neither, is that just turning it off?
I have set the timer so that it gives out no heat at any time and is still making a lot of noise so will get that looked at.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

G89 wrote: »

I have set the timer so that it gives out no heat at any time and is still making a lot of noise so will get that looked at.

might just be the timer buzzing though shouldn't be that noticeable.

Why not just switch off at wall and adjust timer when you do want it on.

molerat

G89 wrote: »

When the manual/auto switch is set to neither, is that just turning it off?

Yes, mid position is off, missed that

lstar337

G89 wrote: »

I have set the timer so that it gives out no heat at any time and is still making a lot of noise so will get that looked at.

[Deleted User] wrote:

might just be the timer buzzing tough shouldn't be that noticeable.

Yes, those little rotary timers can make a lot of noise, and I would guess that is what it is.

G89, just turn it off at the wall if you don't need any heat. The timer will stop making noise then.