Hello,
I have been reading through old threads and phoned my electricity supplier etc. till my head spun but still don't know what to do. The tank for my immersion heater is leaking and needs replacing (it's cracked, the element has already been replaced). The current copper tank has two elements, a top one for 'topping up' and a lower one for off-peak electricity.
Years ago when the lower, off peak element broke, we carried on using the top element. For some reason it was not replaced (I didn't live here then).
Today the plumber was going to replace the tank with a smaller tank with one element, connected to the peak electricity meter. He says a smaller tank will be better, there is no reason for a massive tank.
I then wondered why not get a tank with two elements and he said he will have to try and order it. He thinks a tank with two elements is a bad idea, because of the large size of the tank. He is a very good plumber btw, and I probably annoyed him by being indecisive.
I am on a very old Southern Electric tarrif: 'General Domestic and Off-Peak Fx'. . Peak units are 12.06p, off peak are 9.01p. I called Southern Electric who told me that the two ancient meters both run at the same time, unlike Economy 7. I have been confused all this time as I thought the off peak meter was controlled by a timer to turn it on overnight.
Basically I need to decide which type of tank to get, can anyone advise me please? I don't know if it is better to have a small tank (a bit cheaper to buy?) or a large one. Also, if the immersion heats all night, won't that water be cold by the following evening.
Edit: also, I live alone and only use the water for washing up etc., there is a seperate electric shower. I only used to have the top immersion element on for short times for washing up, knowing that it's expensive. However when I move there could be a whole family here again.
Thanks.
I have been reading through old threads and phoned my electricity supplier etc. till my head spun but still don't know what to do. The tank for my immersion heater is leaking and needs replacing (it's cracked, the element has already been replaced). The current copper tank has two elements, a top one for 'topping up' and a lower one for off-peak electricity.
Years ago when the lower, off peak element broke, we carried on using the top element. For some reason it was not replaced (I didn't live here then).
Today the plumber was going to replace the tank with a smaller tank with one element, connected to the peak electricity meter. He says a smaller tank will be better, there is no reason for a massive tank.
I then wondered why not get a tank with two elements and he said he will have to try and order it. He thinks a tank with two elements is a bad idea, because of the large size of the tank. He is a very good plumber btw, and I probably annoyed him by being indecisive.
I am on a very old Southern Electric tarrif: 'General Domestic and Off-Peak Fx'. . Peak units are 12.06p, off peak are 9.01p. I called Southern Electric who told me that the two ancient meters both run at the same time, unlike Economy 7. I have been confused all this time as I thought the off peak meter was controlled by a timer to turn it on overnight.
Basically I need to decide which type of tank to get, can anyone advise me please? I don't know if it is better to have a small tank (a bit cheaper to buy?) or a large one. Also, if the immersion heats all night, won't that water be cold by the following evening.
Edit: also, I live alone and only use the water for washing up etc., there is a seperate electric shower. I only used to have the top immersion element on for short times for washing up, knowing that it's expensive. However when I move there could be a whole family here again.
Thanks.