Please help, we have a huge electricity bill and need to know how to bring it down

KimYeovil

Is it something silly like the tank simply isn't big enough? What size is it? Maybe it's a wash-basin sized model and is not designed for supplying a bath.

withabix

purplegirluk1 wrote: »

used it at about 11 for a bath which filled and has now used all the ht water up.

Have you got an electric shower? Use that instead.

If you're bathing baby, use a baby bath or the kitchen sink.

purplegirluk1

withabix wrote: »

If it's a new tank it may have two elements - one in the bottom for using with an Economy 7 timer and one higher up for getting a 'boost' of hot water during the day if you need it.

Both elements would be visible on the outside of the tank.

Do you have a controller/timer connected to your immersion heaters?

There is the main cylinder and then a small expansion vessel slightly higher up.

As far as I can see there are no controls, the timer is on the wall.

purplegirluk1

withabix wrote: »

Have you got an electric shower? Use that instead.

If you're bathing baby, use a baby bath or the kitchen sink.

No electric shower, though we are thinking of getting one put in now!

espresso

purplegirluk1 wrote: »

No electric shower, though we are thinking of getting one put in now!

It would be silly to have an electric shower as well as this type of hot water supply tank. You need to find the exact make and model to find out how it should be used. I'm guessing that you need a tank full of hot water before you start to draw water off and that the immersion heaters then reheat the water drawn off.

purplegirluk1

Thank you for your help, I will have a proper look at the immersion tonight and see if I can find any instructions online.

pattycake

You may have a hot water system similar to ours. It is mains fed and we have not got a cold water storage tank. There are two immersions and we heat the water overnight via a timer on Economy 7. There is a boost button on the timer which I think just heats the top portion of the tank. We rarely need to use the booster though.

I try to use as much electricity during the off-peak period as I can. For example, I have a timer on my washing machine and dishwasher so that I take advantage of the cheap electric. If you look at the cost per unit on your bill. the daytime rate is 3 or 4 times as expensive.

Not quoting actual figures but if for example, your washing machine used 2 units of electric, on the off-peak it might cost 5p a load but during the daytime 20p. Now that does not sound that much of a difference but if you multiply that by the number of loads over a period of 3 months - well, it would be a hell of a lot.

Hope you get your problem sorted out soon.

withabix

espresso wrote: »

It would be silly to have an electric shower as well as this type of hot water supply tank.

Not necessarily, especially if:

a) you have a problem running out of hot water (like the OP)
b) you shower before 7.30am or after 10.30pm (which is very common if you think about it)

espresso

withabix wrote: »

Not necessarily, especially if:

a)You have a problem running out of hot water (like the OP)
b) you shower before 7.30am or after 10.30pm (which is very common if you think about it)

When used correctly this type of megaflow hot water system can easily supply a shower.

Bayblue

Sorry to hear about your big bill.

I might be stating the obvious, but you mentioned that you're renting, so would it be an idea to have a chat to the landlord to ask him/her to explain the heating and hot water system. Also, if it's not functioning properly then ask them if something can be done about it. I know that you say that you're not sure that they'd be helpful but it IS their responsibilities as part of the flats fixtures and fittings .Landlords sometimes get a bad press but they are usually happy to help- I know that mine is.

Also you may well find budgeting easier if you pay a set amount every month (usually by direct debit) rather than waiting for quarterly bills.

Good luck