Jillyanne Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 Is it more cost effective to keep the hot water 'on' constantly or only turn it on when needed. I have had differing answers to this question so if there are any plumbers out there................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 Is it more cost effective to keep the hot water 'on' constantly or only turn it on when needed. I have had differing answers to this question so if there are any plumbers out there................ I was told by the British Gas engineer to keep the hot water on "continuous", rather than timed. Otherwise it uses more gas to heat it when the tank cools down when the system is off. It really depends on how good the insulation is on the hot water tap as well. Given all the data, you could do the physics and be certain for your set-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junction 9 Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 I get asked this on a daily basis, the same with your heating. There is no definitive answer, the only was to tell 100% would be to try it both ways and monitor your gas readings. So many factors can determine the answer. In my experience the savings are negligible either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 I have electric only and find if i leave it on it wastes electric and ends up costing loads. Plus it heats up in 15 mins anyways. I think it depends on the type of heating you have really. Anything with a coil or heating element will have to be highly loaded to gain the heat required, so things like toasters, boilers and kettles use lots of electricity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 We leave our gas boiler on continuously for both heating and hot water. This is mainly because of Mr TF's rotating shifts - we'd have to reprogramme the boiler every 4 days otherwise. But my father (who was a builder) told me it was as cheap, if not cheaper, to leave the system on all the time. My gas bills are average for the size of house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Block 18 Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 Having seen your system Jill, you have a faily modern efficient boiler, your cylinder is of the pre lagged variety and in a cupboard, you would most probably benifit from it being on constantly. Having said that, it would not hurt to try Junction 9's plan and monitor it both ways. You dont have to wait for a bill to do it either, wait untill you have finised with the heating take a meter reading note the date and time you took it. Go back exactly one week later, do the same again only with your heating on timed, ensure you take your last reading at the same time, and compare your gas consumption. However this will not be accurate if you cook by gas as your hob and oven will bugger up your reading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 7 May, 2009 Share Posted 7 May, 2009 Is it more cost effective to keep the hot water 'on' constantly or only turn it on when needed. I have had differing answers to this question so if there are any plumbers out there................ What a load of pony. It will cost you more leaving it on, also it will get knackered quicker. Take a bath or shower every other day or pay for a solar system, it will pay for itself in 12 months and you'll get free hot water all year round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now