Storage heaters are becoming quite common in homes because they help in reducing energy costs. In many provinces, regions and states, there is a system by which energy companies offer subsidized power to their customers, especially during the night time. Hence, many customers use this facility to switch on their storage heaters. These units have special devices that have input and output controls. The input controls help in storing heat energy that is so essentially during winter seasons and in cold climate. The stored heat energy can be used later in the day. The heaters power consumption can be switched off during the day when the energy tariffs are much higher and the stored energy from the storage heater can be used. In many homes, it is known to help in saving almost 30 to 40% on electricity costs and this indeed is big money saved on a recurring basis.

However, like all devices, storage heaters also can malfunction and stop working. Hence, if you have such situations and are trying to find answers to the question what to do when the storage heater is not working, you must be aware that there are some troubleshoots that you could try out. In most cases, if the problem is superficial and minor, these small tips can help to get the storage heater working again without the help of professional mechanics and technicians. But if the problem is of a serious nature, then there is no doubt that you have to depend on the services of professionals to correct the situation. We are sharing a few useful tips that could perhaps be helpful when your storage heater is not working.

1 – Faulty Thermostat

Though there could be many reasons, faulty thermostat is one of the most common causes of malfunction of storage heaters. It also could be because of a blown element. If you are confident, as an end user, you could try removing the front panel to check and find out if thermostat is the cause of the problem. In many cases it can be fixed and it could be because of some loose connections. But, if you are not very sure about the finer points of opening and examining the thermostat devices, it would be better to call a technician and get the job done. Elements and thermostat may require replacing regularly. You will be able to know about the failure of the element because one section of the heater will turn cold.

2 – Loose Connection Terminal Blocks

Quite often you will come across storage heaters where the wire connection could be a bit complicated. You could find one or two wires being held together with the help of single terminal block. It could also be a switch or an outlet. This should not be the case with quality storage heaters, but if you have one then it is quite possible that you will come across situations where the storage heater may not be working properly. This is obviously because power is not reaching to one part of the machine.

You have to switch off the power and then both the faulty wires have to be removed from the block terminal. You should use a new pair of wires and ensure that you make a pig-tail wire out of it by slicing it accordingly. It should be connected again the block terminal using the right insulation tapes and other such safety devices. The power should be switched on carefully after ensuring that there are no loose ends of live wires. If the problem is because of faulty wiring in the block terminals, this should take care of it and your storage heater should start working again.

3 – Power Supply From The Main Switch

Quite often we tend to miss the obvious and upon examination, the problem could turn out to be minor in nature. In many cases the power connection to the storage heater could be faulty. Hence, this is one of the first units that should be checked if you find that the unit is not working. All you need is a tester to check if the power is flowing normally to the heater failing which it is obvious that it will not work properly.

4 – Wrong Installation

In many cases wrong installation is one of the most important causes when it comes to storage heaters. Hence, if you find that after a few months it is not working correctly then you should check on the platform on which it is installed. Though it is possible for you to check on the same, it would not be a bad idea to hire the services of a professional and have the installation checked properly.

5 – It Might Have Lived Its Life

Storage heaters typically have a life span of around 6 to 8 years. In some cases, it might even go up to 10 years. With an annual depreciation of around 10% each year, in most cases even the best of storage heaters will not go beyond six to seven. If they are maintained properly and if the spare parts, input devices and output devices are serviced regularly, then it is possible that it could last for around ten years at the most. Beyond 10 years, it would not be advisable to use the storage heater because it may not serve the purpose for which it is being used.

6 – Lack Of Regular Proactive Servicing

Servicing of storage heater is an important point that should never be lost sight of. Many of these devices do not work properly or do not store the optimal heat energy because of lack of proactive maintenance and servicing. Monthly servicing goes a long way in keeping all the spare parts and other units in perfect working condition. It would be advisable to go in for a professional service provider who can help identify the smallest problem in these storage heaters and take corrective action before it goes out of hand.

Summary

In fine, there is no doubt that most storage heaters are built to perform well for at least six to eight years and their lifespan can go up to ten years if regular servicing and maintenance is given the important that is deserves. Simply things like cleaning of the unit and removing the dust from some areas could perhaps make a big difference to the overall durability and longevity of these units.