Electric Immersion heater True or False

Question

Is it cheaper to leave the Immersion Heater switched on at all time or switch off when enough water heated and then switched back on to reheat????

Answer 1

Providing your tank is well insulated and you are using a normal amount of hot water then it is better to leave it on.  Switch it off if you are going away for a few days holiday.

Answer 2

Do you turn your fridge/fridge freezer off? No? Well the same applies to on immersion heater. Just think, if you only use a pint at a time, but don't leave it on, the tank will take in cold water every time, cooling the water. If it is left on, you only warm up one pint.It must of course be well lagged, but new ones are. There should be an adjustment on top, turn it clockwise to increase the temperature.

Answer 3

The HW cylinder emits heat constantly. If you don't need the hot water, say while at work, switch it off. As the temperature falls less heat is lost. When you get in, switch on, it dosen't take long to get to useable temperature. Or as you say use a time switch.

Answer 4

Better to leave it on but make sure its set to around 60 degs

Answer 5

Switch it on only when you need it or you are gonna have a massive electric bill.

Answer 6

Depends totally on your hot water usage

Answer 7

I agree with Jim C. I left the immersion on all the time when we first moved here as we'd come  from a house that had instant hot water all the time and I wanted the same effect. However, when I tried switching it off at night on the next quarter, the bill was halved. We have one of those tanks with lagging that looks as if it's been sprayed on and have gone away for about 5 days and found the water still  warmish upon returning although switched off all that time. Why not try it out yourself - it will save you loads. As for the temperature setting, ask for a second opinion because half a bath of 'not that hot' doesn't sound right to me.

Answer 8

I think off. As it would constantly heat water for no reason, and cost far more then occasional use. Mythbusters did this with light bulbs, and it worked out cheaper to switch on and off when required.

Good question though!!

Answer 9

Same applies to fluresent lights costs more to start them then run them

Answer 10

If your hot water tank is well lagged and you use the water regularly through the day, then it's best left on.

Answer 11

my experience is that your electricity bill will shoot up if you leave it on regardless of the fact it has a thermostat the time I tried it mine doubled