Boiler Problem - Please Help

[Ducky]

Hi All,

I have a bit of a situation & would really appreciate it if someone could help me out.

I moved in to a new flat a few months ago with my partner & the water temperature is fine for the 2 of us as long as we shower in the morning. However, I recently had a few guests over who would shower in the evenings, but they would get cold water & then the following morning the water would be cold as well. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? I have four guests coming over for a week in a few days & I am worried that all of us will only get cold water in the shower. I have posted a picture of the boiler & the control panel alongside it. I don't have the manual & am absolutely 100% clueless about the terminology on the control panel & have no idea what to do.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Ducky

Boiler

Control Panel

 

[Agile]

The expression "moved into a new flat" usually means started renting!

In that case the agent/landlord should explain to you how to operate the heating/hot water.

I am guessing that you have an electrically heated cylinder which is only being heated ( or perhaps just partially heated ) overnight. But without seeing it in person, its very difficult for me to guess!

This is very expensive but even more so if you set it to heat during the day on peak supply costs.

I went to sort out one tenanted flat and the bill for them, parents and three small kids, was about £4000pa.

How long does this "partner" shower for?

Try pressing the Boost button for an expensive bill. Maybe moving the switch to the middle position too.

Tony

 

[Ducky]

Thanks for the reply Tony.

We've actually purchased the flat & hence have no external help & are a bit broke considering we have just bought it so was hoping that someone could let me know what the press on the control panel to get it working. What does the "boost" button do & when should we press it? I don't mind paying a higher bill for the couple of weeks we have guests, because when its just the 2 of us we have no problems.

The switch doesn't move to the middle position. Its either "off" or "timed."

Cheers,
Ducky

 

[Agile]

The boost takes it off the timed off peak night time and on during the day at high charges!

For anyone else reading the two expressions which should be used are either "I am renting" or "I have bought" !

Tony

 

[Ducky]

Thanks Tony.

So when should I press it & how often?

 

[GuessMan]

If this link doesn't work google hortsmann and download the instructions from their website.

http://www.horstmann.co.uk/files/7813/9867/2126/user_guide_Electronic7_series_3.pdf

And ignore Tony he's probably been on the vino again.

 

[Ducky]

Thank you!

So from I can gather, I should hit the boost button about an hour before anyone wants to have a shower in the evening? Right?

 

[mcmoby69]

the 'boiler' should have two heating elements (immersion heaters) fitted. one near the bottom and one half way up (ish)

when the timer switches on at night(off peak tariff) both elements should switch on and heat the water so the tank is full of hot water top to bottom.

if you run out of hot water during the day using the boost button only switches on the top immersion heater so you only get the top half of the 'boiler' hot. but it costs you more in electric because the tariff is higher.

things to check are,
is the timer set right and switching on the bottom element?
does the reset button need resetting on the bottom element? (it might not have one) does the top one need resetting?
has the bottom or top element gone?

you can usually use a long handled screwdriver as a stethoscope to hear the element buzzing when it is working. put the blade against the cover on the element and then press your ear onto the handle. if you can hear a faint hum then the element is usually ok. you'll need to be very quiet !.
both elements need to work to get the 'boiler' fully hot overnight.

bear in mind all this equipment is 240 volts, dont remove any covers from anything while using a screwdriver as a stethoscope.

if in doubt get an electrician in.