What do to with an immersion switch? Electric water heating question!

nicegirl

I've already got those thanks to the wonder of Google!

Is Economy 7 a tariff? I think I'm on a normal tariff.

It's a temporary rented flat so I'm not really bothered about the heaters. It was just the switches I was wondering about really, to go back to the start. :rotfl:

lstar337

Your bills should tell you if you are on E7, but if your meter has two registers then you probably are. If you are on a single rate tariff then it doesn't matter when you heat the water, just don't leave it on all day.

Ectophile

nicegirl wrote: »

I've already got those thanks to the wonder of Google!

Is Economy 7 a tariff? I think I'm on a normal tariff.

It's a temporary rented flat so I'm not really bothered about the heaters. It was just the switches I was wondering about really, to go back to the start. :rotfl:

If you're not on Economy 7, then the electricity isn't any cheaper at night. You can turn the immersion on whenever you feel like it, and it make no difference to the price.

nicegirl

Thanks all. I guess what I need to do is call the supplier and see what tariff I'm on. I only set up the account yesterday and asked for a certain tariff that made no reference to Economy 7 so I don't think it's that but I better make sure!

Does anyone know how long it takes to heat your average water tank? Just wondering how long we need to leave it on for.

lstar337

nicegirl wrote: »

Does anyone know how long it takes to heat your average water tank? Just wondering how long we need to leave it on for.

If you have two switches, you should have two elements. One will be near the top of the tank (boost element) and is designed to give a smaller amount of hot water (for washing up, basin washing, etc.) in a faster time. The other element will be at the bottom of the tank (main element) and is designed to heat the whole tank for bathing purposes and the like.

If the tank is insulated good and you don't use all of your hot water each day, then it will only need to be 'topped up' the next. So it will take the longest to heat up on the first day and the day after you use all of the water. In between those days it won't need to be on so long.

You may need to experiment a bit to see how long it takes to get to temperature (it'll switch off then anyway), and how long it stays there (it'll switch back on if it drops). It'll be a balancing act between making sure you always have water when you need it, and not spending money heating unnecessarily.

If you aren't too fussed about the cost, just set it to come on 3-4 hours in the morning, or before you usually have a bath or shower. Use the boost if you need a bit extra in the evening.

NOTE: This is advice for if you are on a single rate tariff. If you are on E7 then set the tank to heat for the 7 hours of cheap rate electric usually (but not always) between 00:00 and 07:00.

macman

nicegirl wrote: »

Thanks all. I guess what I need to do is call the supplier and see what tariff I'm on. I only set up the account yesterday and asked for a certain tariff that made no reference to Economy 7 so I don't think it's that but I better make sure!

Does anyone know how long it takes to heat your average water tank? Just wondering how long we need to leave it on for.

Since all suppliers offer E7 options, it will be available on any tariff. Think of it s a sub-option within the tariff. If your meter is registered on the national database as E7, then that's what you'll be put on unless you request otherwise. Some suppliers will total the two readings from an E7 meter, some won't. If not, the meter needs to be changed unless you want excessive bills-you'll be paying about 300% more for all the peak rate energy, and for all your heating.
Typical tank takes 1-2 hours to heat up, depending on size and rating. If properly lagged, it should then stay hot all day.