Central heating controls

How to use your electric storage heater controls

Storage heaters usually have two controls on the top:

• Input – this sets how much heat is stored
• Output – this sets how much heat is released

Tips for using them:

• Set the input higher when it’s cold, and lower when it’s warmer.
• Use the output to control the room temperature.
  • Keep it low during the day and overnight.
  • Turn it up in the evening or when you need extra warmth.
• Turn the output down about 30 minutes before going to bed or leaving the house.
• You can control each room separately using the heater’s own controls.
• In summer, if you don’t need heating, switch the heater off at the wall.

How to use your gas central heating controls

There are four main controls to help you manage your heating:

1. Central Heating Dial

• Set to “on” or “1” to keep radiators on all the time
• Set to “off” or “0” to turn them off completely
• The clock shows when heating and hot water will come on

 

2. Timer

• Use the timer to choose when your heating comes on
• Turn the dial until the grey hands show the current time
• Each pin around the edge shows a 15-minute slot
  • Push pins in to turn heating on
  • Push pins out to turn heating off

3. Radiator Valve

• These let you control the temperature in each room
• Turn to a low setting in rooms you don’t use much
• Turn to a higher setting in rooms you want to keep warm

4. Thermostat

• Most people feel comfortable at 19–21°C
• Turn the dial to choose the temperature that suits you