Just moved - boiler confusion

Domas

Hi all!

I have just moved into a new flat which I'm renting.

Flat has a boiler oso direct 20rd and a mechanical timeguard timer with no model number.
There are 2 electrical switches on the wall as well, one I assume is for boiler? Another is next to timer.

Landlord did not have any instructions on how to operate this boiler.

Do we need both switches on? What's the timer for? There is hot water even when the switch is off near timer.

This boiler only provides hot water.

See pictures of it :
imgur.com/a/bTWQ1lc
Could anyone please help?

jk0

Presumably the timeswitch is connected to the lower immersion?


You need to set it to the correct time, and move the tappets so that it comes on maybe 2.30am to 6am.


Leave the switch on next to the timeswitch. Leave the upper switch off unless you run out of hot water.

Domas

That's correct time switch is connected to lower immension.

So just I understand and can explain to my housemate:

By switching off top switch boiler water heater won't be on 24/7, which in turn will save money. And the timer switch will heat the water at night when electricity is cheaper and should maintain the hot water whole day, hopefully till evening? (if not should we adjust the timer to kick in for a little bit in the evening as well?)

Thanks!

jk0

Domas wrote: »

That's correct time switch is connected to lower immension.

So just I understand and can explain to my housemate:

By switching off top switch boiler water heater won't be on 24/7, which in turn will save money. And the timer switch will heat the water at night when electricity is cheaper and should maintain the hot water whole day, hopefully till evening? (if not should we adjust the timer to kick in for a little bit in the evening as well?)

Thanks!

Yup. That's it.


You may find it slightly cheaper to put the upper immersion on in the evening if needed, as you will only heat half a tank rather than a whole one.

Domas

Awesome, thanks! That's really helpful

Domas

jk0 wrote: »

Yup. That's it.


You may find it slightly cheaper to put the upper immersion on in the evening if needed, as you will only heat half a tank rather than a whole one.

Oh and one extra question, on timer there is a smaller wheel with 1 0 1 0, and there are four options wheel that small wheel turns in the image you can see the options top right. Any idea what's that for?
imgur.com/a/bTWQ1lc

jk0

BTW, if you have access to your electricity meter, there may be a label on it giving the off peak times. (Check the time on its internal clock in case it is slightly off.)



You can then set the timeswitch to switch off as late as possible in the morning, so maybe top up the water at a cheap rate after morning bathing.

jk0

Domas wrote: »

Oh and one extra question, on timer there is a smaller wheel with 1 0 1 0, and there are four options wheel that small wheel turns in the image you can see the options top right. Any idea what's that for?
imgur.com/a/bTWQ1lc

That's part of the mechanism. Every time a tappet passes the wheel, it will turn it to the next position.


1= Switch on


0= Switch off.


Set the tappets as mentioned, then turn the dial gently clockwise a few times, and you'll see what I mean.

Ectophile

https://imgur.com/a/bTWQ1lc for the link to the picture.


This set-up assumes you have Economy 7 electricity, where electricity is cheap at night, and expensive during the day. If not, it's a bit pointless.



Check that the timer is set right. It's the little pointer on the centre part of the dial that points to the current time, and not the top of the dial.


The little blue bits should flip in or out some way, to select on or off. So to heat up the water overnight, flip the blue tabs corresponding to the night hours.


There are two immersion heaters. The one at the bottom is for overnight heating, and heats the entire tank.


The one at the top only heats the top of the tank. It is intended as a quick "emergency" boost if you run out of hot water during the day. It should normally be off.

Domas

:)w

Ectophile wrote: »

[UL]httURL] for the link to the picture.


This set-up assumes you have Economy 7 electricity, where electricity is cheap at night, and expensive during the day. If not, it's a bit pointless.



Check that the timer is set right. It's the little pointer on the centre part of the dial that points to the current time, and not the top of the dial.


The little blue bits should flip in or out some way, to select on or off. So to heat up the water overnight, flip the blue tabs corresponding to the night hours.


There are two immersion heaters. The one at the bottom is for overnight heating, and heats the entire tank.


The one at the top only heats the top of the tank. It is intended as a quick "emergency" boost if you run out of hot water during the day. It should normally be off.

OK thanks! That makes it fully clear! :j

And in case we are not on economy 7 which switch should we use? I'll try to find out if we are using this.

Ectophile

In that case, set the timer to before whatever time(s) you need the hot water. It may be a bit of trial-and-error to find out how short a time you can get away with and still have enough hot water. The tank should stay warm for hours if you don't use the hot water.



Then if you do run out of hot water, turn the top one on for just a few tens of minutes to heat up any smaller quantities.


You probably want to leave the switch for the bottom one on, and use the timer. Turn the top one on only when you need it.