Storage Heater Usage Question

maarv

Hi all,
I have recently moved into a flat and have got storage heaters. I have done lots of research but still no way of understanding how this specific model works. Can somebody please explain the room temp boost dial to me?
Many thanks in advance!

Gerry1

In cold weather set the right hand (INPUT) knob to maximum (fully clockwise). In milder weather set the control to a lower position.

Normally the left hand (OUTPUT) knob may be left on minimum (fully anticlockwise). This control may be moved to maximum in the evening if additional heat is required at that time. Return to minimum before retiring.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/903372/Dimplex-Xln.html

maarv

Gerry1 said:

In cold weather set the right hand (INPUT) knob to maximum (fully clockwise). In milder weather set the control to a lower position.

Normally the left hand (OUTPUT) knob may be left on minimum (fully anticlockwise). This control may be moved to maximum in the evening if additional heat is required at that time. Return to minimum before retiring.

Thanks for getting back to me however I'm not sure if that's correct as it says I can leave it on 2 or 9 for a late or early boost respectively, so not sure if this model works like the traditional "output" dial on other storage heaters. Also not sure what a late or early boost could mean.

Gerry1

I think they're the traditional Output and Input controls, assuming it uses just the overnight E7 switched supply.  The input determines how hot the bricks get overnight.  The output probably just controls how far a flap opens to release heat during the day, possibly aided by a bimetallic strip.

Think of it like a daytime hot water bottle with a woolly cover.  In mild weather you'd fill it with warm water, in cold weather with almost boiling water.  During the day you'd take off the cover when it wasn't quite warm enough.  The boost just makes this happen earlier or later, there's nothing really magic about it.

SoozyJ22

I have a similar heater (XL) with the same controls and wording, though it doesn't actually heat up and needs to be replaced. I've just had a look and turning the output dial just opens the flap to let out more heat (if it were actually producing any), as Gerry says. Mine doesn't really appear to open until it gets to 3 though and then progressively opens further until it gets to 9. 
While I understand how the heater works, I don't really understand the Early/Late Boost descriptions either. 

maarv

Gerry1 said:

I think they're the traditional Output and Input controls, assuming it uses just the overnight E7 switched supply.  The input determines how hot the bricks get overnight.  The output probably just controls how far a flap opens to release heat during the day, possibly aided by a bimetallic strip.

Think of it like a daytime hot water bottle with a woolly cover.  In mild weather you'd fill it with warm water, in cold weather with almost boiling water.  During the day you'd take off the cover when it wasn't quite warm enough.  The boost just makes this happen earlier or later, there's nothing really magic about it.

That makes a lot of sense, thank you very much!

maarv

SoozyJ22 said:

I have a similar heater (XL) with the same controls and wording, though it doesn't actually heat up and needs to be replaced. I've just had a look and turning the output dial just opens the flap to let out more heat (if it were actually producing any), as Gerry says. Mine doesn't really appear to open until it gets to 3 though and then progressively opens further until it gets to 9. 
While I understand how the heater works, I don't really understand the Early/Late Boost descriptions either. 

Haha okay, I'm glad it's not just me. I appreciate the knowledge though, helps me understand it a lot more!!

Gerry1

SoozyJ22 said:

While I understand how the heater works, I don't really understand the Early/Late Boost descriptions either. 

An early boost will mean that the flap opens when the bricks are still relatively hot, a late boost means that it won't happen until later.  It's probably all very primitive, perhaps a bimetallic strip working against a spring tension that's varied by the knob.

The important thing is to leave it at 1 before you go to bed so that it retains as much heat as possible.  When you get up you then choose the highest  number you can get away with without having to endure chilly evenings or afternoons.

Torry_Quine

That's exactly the same as mine. Please make sure you always close the output before the time it heats up.