iBoost problems 17 January 2022 at 12:02PM in Green & ethical MoneySaving 15 replies 848 views

Verdigris

Probably easier to get a new cylinder with a bottom immersion flange. Or you can get flange kits to add on to an existing cylinder. I remember fitting one, about 40 years ago. Wasn't too difficult.

Heedtheadvice

Given the age of the cylinder installation, until you actually need a new cylinder, I would expect a destratification pump would be the best way to go. It may not increase the power supplied to the small immersion heater but will give best chance of maximising the energy into the cylinder until you get a new one without the prospect of damage to the cylinder and fircing you to spend just now.

It will also be of benefit if and when you replace the cylinder at which time you should add an immersion heater (or two )that will take your maximum solar generation power, if possible, that your iBoost can supply. That will make best use of spare power.

Unless of course, from a financial point of view, you have a cheaper slternative source of heat....but that is not necessarily green!

Sterlingtimes

With metered export, it has always made economic sense to export electricity and avoid the iBoost, i.e. burning gas on the first hand to produce hot water. If gas prices increase to 6p per kWh, then that could be the turning point having regard for gas inefficiency.

Verdigris

Not an argument if you don't have mains gas, of course.

thevilla

Heedtheadvice said:

Given the age of the cylinder installation, until you actually need a new cylinder, I would expect a destratification pump would be the best way to go. It may not increase the power supplied to the small immersion heater but will give best chance of maximising the energy into the cylinder until you get a new one without the prospect of damage to the cylinder and fircing you to spend just now.

It will also be of benefit if and when you replace the cylinder at which time you should add an immersion heater (or two )that will take your maximum solar generation power, if possible, that your iBoost can supply. That will make best use of spare power.

Unless of course, from a financial point of view, you have a cheaper slternative source of heat....but that is not necessarily green!

I have no experience of destratification pumps but would suggest caution if living in a hard water area.  Anything which needs to move in our home's water system is likely to be encased and fossilised!