British Gas DCP timer

[TimW912]

Good morning all,

I hope someone can help/advise me. I have just moved into a new house that has a British Gas DCP timer fitted to the system that controls the heating. It looks like the attached (hoping the attachment works!).

I can not figure out a way to set this to any more than 3 distinct on/off periods in any given day, which is not enough for me. I tried just having the system on longer but then it gets really hot and ends up costing a fortune (I can see the smart meter rolling ever up).

I used to have a manual timer with the little plastic (DIL?) switches that offered as much flexibility as you need, and I have also had an electronic timer that allowed up to 6 on/off periods. I simply can not fathom that a 'modern' timer would only allow three on/off periods.

So is there a way of changing the settings, or updating the timer, or does it need replacing? I have a trusted local plumber but before I ask him to take a look (especially during lockdown) I wanted to check if there is anything I can do.

Here's helping someone knows and can help me.

Thanks all

Tim

 

[JohnD]

it gets really hot

is there a room thermostat? what does it look like?

 

[stem]

Its a WPT1 Thermostat now sold as Hive. It may not have the exact same functions as the current unit, but I think their operation is similar. Try clicking here for a manual.

 

[Johnmdc]

@stem it is a DPC (dual channel programmer) as the OP said, they look the same but the WPT1 would be showing the current temperature and set temperature as well.
To OP these clocks like most digital programmers only have 3 on/off settings for each day.
Do you not have a room thermostat to control the temperature in the house?

 

[TimW912]

Thanks for the replies folks.

I have a separate thermostat to control the general temperature and all the radiators have individual thermostats on them to control the temperature to a good level. The issue is the timings with the 3 off/on settings. If I stick with the default settings which suggests 1 hour in the morning, 1 hour middle of the day and 6 (SIX!!) hours afternoon to evening, then even with turning down the thermostats it gets too warm and the running costs are very high. Put simply I don't need the heating on for that long, but I do need some level of granularity and control so that I can have a good temperature as and when I need it, and no overkill if you get what I mean.

So put simply I was hoping there was a way to update the control or change settings or something so that it gives you more than the 3 off/on options. If this is not possible then fair enough I can leave it and just get my plumber in at some point to have a look. I just wanted to ask the question as there seems to be some expertise here!

Thanks

Tim