Immersion Heaters - Advice Please

[Beach Hut]

Our current boiler is bust and we are sorting out a replacement shortly.

So we are reliant on turning on the immersion heater and off (which gets forgotten). Do immersion heaters heat water to a certain temperature then switch off and re-heat when the temperature off - in other words if left on all the time are we likely to get a huge electricity bill ?

 

[vegster]

They should switch off when your water is hot and just turn on from time to time to keep it at a constant temp. Problems arise if the thermostat does not turn off !

 

[El Sid]

I think it will cost a fair bit as every time the temperature drops the element will turn on.

If the heater has a 3 pin plug get a cheap timer socket so you can set it for morning and evening.

 

[Rowdey]

With the power cut off to the Immersion, unscrew the cover cap (usually one nut) and peer inside - if it has an adjustable stat like this one, then yes, it will turn off once the preset heat is reached. If the stat is working of course.
Don't be fooled into turning the stat down to less than 55deg c - Bacteria wont survive above this temp.
Cap back on, power back on..

 

[8ace]

I think it will cost a fair bit as every time the temperature drops the element will turn on.

If the heater has a 3 pin plug get a cheap timer socket so you can set it for morning and evening.

This. You can even fit a timer if you don't have a 3 pin plug, I did to mine - piece of piss.

 

[Questions]

Even with a working thermostat on your heater they are not designed to be left on all the time. Far too expensive.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

They are essentially enormous kettles, which will give you an enormous bill if left on all the time.

Also put an insulation jacket round them to retain some heat.

 

[Superseagull]

Word of warning. I would not trust cheap 3 pin timers as they often don't have the switching capacity to cut the supply of high power devices like immersion heaters. You must check it is rated for 13A at the very least!

Also 3 pin plugs on immersion heaters not ideal. If you do use it make sure plug and socket are in good condition and firmly pushed in.

Best to get a proper immersion heater timer fitted with it all wired in if you are going to use the heater long term.