why switch from gas to electric water heater?

lilac_dawn

Actually the main boiler is pitiful. Up on the 4th floor the pressure is very weak and the radiators constantly need bleeding so we usually have to do without. It is a domestic boiler. So we do use electricity for heating.
I don't know for sure if we will run out of water, as can't really gauge it but would like the the security of at least having some kind of boost button, in case. We also like to use the bath, which is why it will now be a lot more expensive. There's no external thermostat to regulate the temperature on the immersion so it heats to whatever temperature it has to. I don't think we need a flow restrictor as the pressure is so low. The 'whinge' or worry does indeed come from the doubling/trebling of the bill.

Pincher

lilac_dawn wrote: »

Actually the main boiler is pitiful. Up on the 4th floor the pressure is very weak and the radiators constantly need bleeding so we usually have to do without. It is a domestic boiler. So we do use electricity for heating.
I don't know for sure if we will run out of water, as can't really gauge it but would like the the security of at least having some kind of boost button, in case. We also like to use the bath, which is why it will now be a lot more expensive. There's no external thermostat to regulate the temperature on the immersion so it heats to whatever temperature it has to. I don't think we need a flow restrictor as the pressure is so low. The 'whinge' or worry does indeed come from the doubling/trebling of the bill.

Ah, the "I want to live like Vincent Van Gogh in la Belle Epoque" scenario. The light from the sky light is great for painting, but everything melts in summer. Give me modern plumbing every time.


There are automatic bleed valves.


Try to open up your lock shield valves on the radiators to get more flow. Be prepared for complaints from neighbours, because you have "balanced" the radiators in your favour.


The immersion element cap can be opened up by releasing one nut, and the thermostat is a recessed dial that you can adjust by screwdriver. Hint: switch off at the wall first; or buy life insurance. There is a reason why they set it to 65 degrees: germs. You set it too low, there is a microscopic chance that legionella will grow. So just leave it.


There are count down switches you can buy, analogue or digital, that simply replaces the wall switch.


http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Timers_Index/Immersion_Heater_Timers_2/index.html#Immersion_Heater_Timers_SMTGBT4




I really like this one:


http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SMTGBT4.html


There are always idiots who just switch things on and forget.
I have four of these, plus a dozen PIR sensors for lights.

lilac_dawn

Love modern plumbing - and certainly have it in the UK Unfortunately little choice here... and certainly do not choose to live like Van Gogh!
We bleed the radiators all the time and I suspect the neighbour's rads are part of the problem as he frequently does not have his heating on at all, which leads to the air blocks.
There is no main switch on the wall for the water heater so we cannot add a timer, unfortunately.