I feel like ~@$*

CLAPTON

what's done is done but

a. is the immersion heater well insulated? if not its cheap to do
b. is there a time switch on the heater ..if not fit one you only need a short time in the morning and evening...use trial and error to determine how long you need.
c. is the water too hot...if so adjust the thermostat ...normally on the immersion heater.
d. if not needed turn it off...it is rubbish that its cheaper to leave it on because it needs to heat up.

e. check the meter reading each week so you can monitor how much its costings you.

domestic_goddess

Who would i get to fit a timer switch... a plumber or an electrrician!
this def sound like a good idea.

any ideas how much they will charge

thanks for all you replies. I am feeling ten times better today

CLAPTON

you need an electrician.
although i dont know how much it would cost, it would probably only cost in if you are staying in the accommodation for a resaonable time

Emmzi

Timers cost £15 to £20, and can be self fitted IF you know how to switch off the mains!!

Otherwise should be no more than an hours work for your local sparky!

tyllwyd

We've got electric storage heaters so I completely understand about mega-high bills in the winter. This year was much worse than last year, probably because it was so cold (and also prices went up, of course).

The first year we were here we didn't understand the best way to use the heating, and it ended up being on even during the middle of the day. Luckily for us, the time clock was faulty so the electricity company accepted some responsibility and reduced the bill. We are on a funny old-fashioned tariff which comes on more often than the modern Economy 7, so we are active now about turning radiators on and off to try to match the heating to what we need.

Our hot water is wired onto the off-peak meter, so it is on continuously during the off-peak hours, which the electrician promised us was cheaper than putting it on the full price meter with a switch.