Immersion heater but not economy 7...

arsenal2014

Hi all.
I have recently moved into a new property with my girlfriend where an immersion heater is installed.
There are 2 switches, 1 at the top I believe to give a quick boost and the lower switch to heat the whole tank which obviously takes alot longer.
We have phoned the electric company and they have confirmed we are not set up on economy 7 and therefore do not get the reduced rate over night.
We find if we turn the top boost heater on for an hour in the morning, it is enough for us to both shower/wash up but it's abit of a pain turning it on and waiting each morning.
Do people agree, although it's a pain, that this is the most economical way of doing it?
Or is it more economical to switch on the lower heater before we go to bed and switch it off when we wake up?

Thanks,
Dave.

warwicktiger

or buy a timer switch?

matelodave

Get an immersion heater time switch to replace the top element switch, you can then set it to come on for an hour before you get up - the cheapest is about £11 from Screwfix or try B&Q or Wickes etc.


They are really easy to fit as they just replace the immersion heater switch however make sure you either know what you are doing or get someone who does to swap it out - always turn the mains off at the fusebox before attempting to do any work on your electrical system

Smiley_Dan

It is obviously cheaper to heat less water, so if the top immersion heats enough water for you (quite normal for just a couple of people) then just use that.

As above, fit a timer switch. Despite the scariness of an immersion heater I don't think this is Part P work because you're just replacing a controller.

Also, make sure the tank is insulated as well as possible. The trouble with heating only the top of the tank is that heat will conduct down the tank over time, if slowly. It's more important to insulate above due to convection (pipe lagging etc) but conduction is still a concern when you heat the tank any more than a few hours before using it.

arsenal2014

Thanks everyone.
I will ask the landlord if this is ok.
Regards,
Dave.