Everything You Need to Know About An Immersion Heater
For its affordability and efficiency, an immersion heater is an outstanding option if we talk about home water heating systems. In the case you are trying to understand your current user settings or upgrade your heating system, it is best to read through the specifications of this device.
What Is an Immersion Heater?
An immersion heater is a device that serves as an electric water heater to be mounted inside a hot water cylinder, meaning it resides in a tank. It is made out of a metal element that is submerged directly in water. The flow of electricity causes the element to heat up, which will then be transferred to the water that surrounds it.
To tackle the often-posed query, “what is an immersion heater?”, an immersion heater is defined as a big electric kettle set for the hot water tank. It can also serve as the primary source of water heating. But it can also come as a reserve in systems that use gas boilers or solar panels alongside using it.
How Does an Immersion Heater Work?
People are keen to know, “How does an immersion heater work?” and the answer to that is really simple. The main components are:
- Heating Element: Usually made of copper or titanium, it heats up when electricity is passed through it.
- Thermostat: Controls the temperature so that the water does not overheat or remain cold.
- Timer (optional): Allows users to schedule when the heater turns on and off, improving efficiency and reducing heat energy waste.
When the immersion heater is switched on, electricity heats the element. This, in turn, heats the water in the tank. The immersion heater thermostat automatically shuts off the electricity when the desired temperature is reached. This prevents overheating and conserves energy.
Key Components of an Immersion Heater
1. Heating Element
The heating element is the part that does the actual heating. It is immersed directly in water and conducts heat when electric current flows through it. Over time, the element can degrade, especially in hard water areas, due to limescale buildup.
2. Immersion Heater Thermostat
This component is of utmost importance for safety and efficient use of the heater. It checks how hot the water is and decides if it’s time to start heating or stop. The system will cut the electric flow of power when the temperature goes above the set max temperature to prevent burning and excessive power wastage.
Typically, modern immersion heaters maintain a manual control option within the range of 55°C to 65°C. Setting the thermostat above 60°C is recommended for the extermination of bacteria such as legionella, while excessive heat would lead to energy wastage as well as an increased risk of burns.
3. Immersion Heater Timer
Timers are perhaps the most useful additions to immersion heaters; easy to operate, an immersion heater timer allows users to set specific hours that they want the heater to function. For instance, you can programme the heater to only use electricity during off-peak hours to cut costs.
Some smart immersion heater timers connect to Wi-Fi, allowing control through smartphone applications. This makes them more accessible and efficient for consumers, especially those with fluctuating demands for hot water.
Advantages of Using an Immersion Heater
There are a number of benefits to immersion heaters that appeal to a wide range of households:
1. Simple Installation and Maintenance
Compared to other central heating systems that can be quite complex, immersion-type heaters are easier to install and set up. They are useful solutions for heating water in properties that do not have gas services or as secondary options.
2. Independence from the Main Heating System
Unlike an immersion-type heater, a central heating system is not required for it to function. In instances where the boiler is malfunctioning, you can always depend on the immersion-type heater to provide hot water, making it a great standby.
3. Energy Efficiency with Timers and Thermostats
With a well-calibrated immersion heater thermostat and a smart immersion heater timer, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. You heat water only when you need it and ensure it doesn’t get hotter than necessary.
Common Applications of Immersion Heaters
Certain spheres of equilibrium appropriation of immersion-type heaters include the following:
- Domestic hot water cylinders
- Industrial water tanks
- Leisure water-heating backup systems
- Cabins and remote homes off-the-grid
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite their advantages, immersion heaters do have some limitations:
1. Running Costs
If there is no timer or thermostat installed, an immersion-type heater can cost a lot over time. As electricity is usually more pricey than gas, it’s important to keep track of the usage of electricity to avoid unnecessary costs.
2. Slow Heating Time
With the purpose of heating water, immersion-type heaters take a relatively longer time to heat a tank full of water when compared to instant heaters or combi boilers. This can be inconvenient with families that have a very high demand for hot water.
3. Limescale Build-Up
In regions where the water is hard, limescale may form on the heating element and decrease the efficiency and life period of the immersion heater. Installing a water softener and descaling unit with greater frequency may help combat the problem.
Tips for Using an Immersion Heater Efficiently
- Set the Thermostat Wisely: To balance cleanliness and efficiency, the thermostat should be kept at the industry standard temperature of 60°C.
- Use a Timer: Set the heater to allow heating only at times the water is needed to be used. This prevents heating of water that is not needed.
- Insulate the Cylinder: An immersion-type heater’s water tank that is well insulated retains heat for a longer period of time and decreases the need for constant reheating.
- Switch Off When Not Needed: If you’re going on holiday or won’t be using hot water for a while, turn off the heater to save power.
- Regular Maintenance: Check the thermostat and heating element annually. Replace worn-out parts to maintain performance.
How to Choose the Right Immersion Heater
Selecting such a heater requires prudent consideration of the following factors:
- Rated Power: Commonly offered in 3 KW models. Higher wattage does consume more power, but it heats water much faster.
- Length of the Element: Longer elements are more suitable for larger tanks, as they heat a greater volume of water. Thus, they are better suited for large tanks.
- Material: For areas with hard water, use Incoloy or titanium because they do not corrode easily.
- Thermostat: Make sure that the model includes an accurate and dependable immersion heater thermostat.
- Timer: Check for those with built-in timers or those that can be connected to smart immersion heater timers.
Final Thoughts
Immersion heaters are straightforward and dependable devices used to heat water. Whether it’s for domestic use in a remote location, as a supplement to a central heating boiler, or when you want to make use of off-peak electricity, these heaters offer considerable flexibility. Provided these devices are used with the right setup and are given proper attention, immersion heaters will serve efficiently for years while yielding low energy costs.
