Best settings for efficient hot water heating?

RavingMad

Unbeknownst to me, the plumber who replaced our boiler this week had turned the temp up to 55⁰ on the cylinder, practically scolding me when I showered.  I asked him the reason for adjusting and he replied about testing the water was heating up and killing bacteria.  Was turned back down afterwards 

bob2302

RavingMad said:

Unbeknownst to me, the plumber who replaced our boiler this week had turned the temp up to 55⁰ on the cylinder, practically scolding me when I showered.  I asked him the reason for adjusting and he replied about testing the water was heating up and killing bacteria.  Was turned back down afterwards 

Does your shower not mix hot and cold water.

Bendo

vacheron said:

We have a thermal store which is broadly the same as a hot water tank, but it is refilled automatically whenever the central heating is on, so we never need to use the hot water directly in winter. 

In the summer we find that a 30 minute blast is sufficient to give our family of 3 enough hot water for general washing, dishes and basins for at least a day, sometimes 2. However as I use a Hive thermostat via my smartphone I can just press one button to give the hot water another 30 minute boost if I feel it starting to run cool. 

If course, the size of the tank and water temperature would greatly affect the amount of water available on a house by house basis. 

If however there are multiple showers or baths planned, I set it to run about 10 minutes beforehand and switch it of once everyone is showered or the bath is filled.

8+ hours a day seems like a lot ot me, but of course if your tank thermostat is set correctly, this will switch the boilder off once the tank reaches temperature anyway. And you may not prefer to control your hot water "Ad-Hoc" the way I do! 

Exactly the same here.. Gledhill Torrent heated for 30 mins a day. Gas uages about 7kwh / day.

RavingMad

bob2302 said:

RavingMad said:

Unbeknownst to me, the plumber who replaced our boiler this week had turned the temp up to 55⁰ on the cylinder, practically scolding me when I showered.  I asked him the reason for adjusting and he replied about testing the water was heating up and killing bacteria.  Was turned back down afterwards 

Does your shower not mix hot and cold water.

Just my hand as I reached in to test the temperature of the water.