Immersion heater - can I get a timer installed?

We have fairly recently moved to a new house. We only have access to electric (no gas) and the bills seem very high. I believe this is because we have an immersion heater with just one on/off switch - no timer or anything on it so if I want the heater on/off I have to remember to do it manually - which isn't very easy to remember to do. I would like to get a timer installed to the immersion heater but really haven't got a clue what I am doing so do not know if it is likely to be possible to get a timer installed to it or whether this would require a whole new boiler.

I realise this may not be answerable without further info, but if anyone has any suggestions / pointers it would be appreciated.

Comments

  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,058 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    It is very simple to fit a timer to an immersion heater.

    Most electrical shops have them, and the instructions are easy to follow. Usually just a case of cutting the supply cable to the heater(obviously making sure electricity is disconnected) and connecting the 3 wires to the input and output terminals of the timer.
  • Scarlet12
    Scarlet12 Posts: 11 Forumite
    Oh that's fab. That should help us a lot. Thanks very much for taking the time to reply Cardew
  • bestyman
    bestyman Posts: 1,122 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    It has been discussed on here before and fitting a timer would save you money but only 50p a year!

    If I find the link Ill post back

    Mark
    On the internet you can be anything you want.It`s strange so many people choose to be rude and stupid.
  • Jo.G
    Jo.G Posts: 190 Forumite
    We have storage heaters and a water tank with a 24hr timer . As we are on Economy 7, the water should be heated between 12 -7am. But the timer doesnt move at all so the only way to get hot water is to use the 1 hour boost switch. This is also a timer/dial thing but that too doesnt move and therefore we have to remember to switch it off. This often results with us leaving it on which in turn costs a fortune! Anyway, as neither I nor OH know anything about electrics, would replacing this be easy to do and are the timers easy to buy (ie B&Q type places) or am I better to pay an electrician and is this the kind of job any electrician would do? :confused: Sorry if these are stupid questions but neither I nor OH have a clue!
    Thank you.
  • frankie
    frankie Posts: 848 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    I'm interested in installing a timer too. Anyone know if a timer is available that will also operate as a temperature sensor as in a programmed central heating system? Maybe install a second tank thermostat that can somehow be linked to the timer.

    What I'm trying to achieve is to have the timer only operate in its ON cycle when the water needs heating.

    Hope this makes sense!
  • dfh4np
    dfh4np Posts: 68 Forumite
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180150088227&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=008

    Has a variable boost which is what i wanted and can handle a 16amp load which is needed for direct switching a 3kw immersion heater. Wiring is simple but if you are not sure then get a sparky in to fit it, should take 30 mins max.

    The guy has sold alot of these recently and will probably have more soon.


    DFH4NP
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