September 7th, 2010 by Shaun Day

When the end of September looms, it’s time to start thinking about keeping our household warm and comforting during the cold winter months. There can be nothing worse than a cold chill lingering around when trying to keep warm. It may be said that central heating is perhaps the most popular method of heating in a household, mainly due to its effective capabilities. The central heating system can be effectively managed using a central programmable timer system, which allows heat to be specifically regulated during certain hours in the day. This heating method uses gas fired heat water in a central boiler system. This water is then sent around a network of central heating pipes and radiators to effectively heat up the household. Storage heaters offer very different capabilities to the central heating system, and are powered by electricity only. These types of heaters do not offer programmable timer settings like central heating, and do not utilise a water boiler. Instead, the storage heater uses electricity by storing heat during 'off-peak' periods when the electricity is cheaper (generally at night), and then releases the heat during the following day and evening. Many modern storage heaters now contain an automatic charge control setting which can adjust the amount of heat stored overnight, the charge control measures the temperature in the room, if cooler it gives out more heat, and vice-versa. There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with the two heating systems, both capable of heating a household effectively during cold days and nights. Storage Heaters are perhaps more suited to people who are often at home during the day – this is reflected by the heaters capabilities of storing heat during the night, and then releasing it during the day and in the evening. Central heating systems will be more commonly utilised within a family household, as the programmable heating timer can be systematically used throughout the day, or whenever heat is needed. However, if the timer is not used in an organised manner, heating bills could increase significantly as a result. If you are considering a new heating system, or have just moved into a property with no heating capabilities, you should perhaps answer the following questions before going any further. • Do you stay at home during the day? • Is your house very well insulated (or could it be)? • Do you rarely stay up late at night? • Are you adding the system to an existing property? • Are you in an area that has no mains gas supply? • Do you have a small home, a one-bed flat, for example? • Is your daily timetable quite constant? • Is it important to save money on installation?