How to Efficiently Work Storage Heaters

Contact your utility company and ask about off-peak rates. Determine the cut-off times for these rates. Set the storage heater to charge up only during off-peak times to take advantage of the lower energy costs. For example, if your utility company offers lower energy rates from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., charge up the storage heater during this time.

Set the output dial to the lowest setting at the night. This limits the amount of heat the unit will emit while it is charging up overnight. If the house gets very cold during the night, turn the output dial up slightly from its lowest setting.

Turn up the output dial when you wake up. Turn the dial to the lowest possible setting you need to heat your home. As your home heats up, consider lowering the setting.

Set the input dial to the medium setting overnight during cooler weather in the fall and spring. Turn the dial to the maximum setting in colder weather. If the heater has excess heat stored at the end of the day, turn the input dial to a lower setting to save money. Turn up the input dial if you need more heat.

Turn on the weather sensor if your brand of storage heater has this feature. This automatically regulates the input controls based on nighttime temperatures. This feature maximizes the storage heater's efficiency by storing more heat during cooler weather and less during warmer weather.