Seamus Brennan B.Sc. Mech. Eng.
Heating Consultant & BER Assessor
Hot Water Heating:
- Heating hot water accounts for 64% of energy consumption in the home: you should be thrifty in its use. Heating the hot water cylinder in summer by using the hot water heating zone from your efficient central heating oil/gas boiler, instead of the electric immersion heater, will reduce the summer hot water running costs by up to 50%.
- If heating the hot water by electricity, use the timer on immersion heaters. This should supply you with enough hot water as and when you need it.
- A lagging jacket on your hot water cylinder will keep water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months.
- If replacing the hot water cylinder, a cylinder with factory applied insulation should be considered. Such insulation is more effective at retaining heat than a lagging jacket, is less easily damaged and cannot be pulled out of place.
