A Guide To Resetting and Adjusting Your Immersion Heater Thermostat
Table of contents
- Understanding How the Immersion Heater Thermostat Works
- Hot Water Immersion Heater: Common Issues to Watch Out for
- Electric Immersion Heater: Safety Precautions
- How To Reset Immersion Heater Thermostat
- How To Adjust Immersion Heater Thermostat
- How To Troubleshoot and Adjust Immersion Heater Thermostat
- Improve Water Heating by Optimizing Your Thermostat
- FAQs
A constant supply of warm water is essential for a healthy and comfortable home. And one of the best devices to achieve this is with an immersion heater like EcoFlow PowerGlow. The immersion heater thermostat controls the water temperature in the hot water tank by automatically switching the heating element on and off. For safe and reliable operation, it’s important to know how to reset the immersion heater thermostat.
Understanding How the Immersion Heater Thermostat Works
Using bimetallic strips as temperature-sensing components, an immersion heater thermostat constantly monitors and maintains the heater’s water temperature.
If the temperature is lower than a set temperature threshold, the strip is straight and keeps the switch closed. This enables electricity to flow to the heater’s heating element and warm the water. But if the water temperature climbs beyond the threshold, the strip bends due to thermal expansion. This opens the switch, which cuts off the electric flow and stops the heater’s water heating process.
Now, how long should immersion heater be on for? Most heaters heat an 80-120 liter water tank in as fast as one to two hours. You don’t need to continuously heat the tank as the thermostat can cycle the heater’s operation on and off to maintain an optimal temperature level.
With PowerGlow, you can harness solar energy to provide an efficient water heating system in your home. You can also integrate it with EcoFlow PowerHeat, an air-to-water heat pump, so you can enhance your home’s overall heating environment.
Using EcoFlow’s intelligent app for home management, you can further optimize and monitor PowerGlow for efficient water heating. Not only can you set a target temperature manually, but you can also utilize solar surplus to get hot water. The app also lets you set PowerGlow’s customized heating schedules based on your daily needs and activities.
Hot Water Immersion Heater: Common Issues to Watch Out for
As with other devices, immersion heaters can develop issues over time. Some of these issues arise due to misconfiguration or malfunctioning of the thermostat.
No Hot Water
When there is an overheat cut-out (a tripped thermostat when the temperature climbs too high), the immersion heater might stop producing hot water indefinitely. Sometimes, the thermostat is set extremely low, which makes it ineffective in heating water. In either case, you can reset the thermostat or use its default settings to restore heat.
Scalding Water
Is your water always dangerously hot for bathing? This is a clear sign that your thermostat is set too high or is malfunctioning. Try to reset its temperature between 50°C and 60°C. If you notice scalding water or steam coming from taps, check the thermostat setting immediately to a lower level.
Heater Running Constantly
A heater that runs endlessly is a usual sign of a stuck thermostat or a failing safety cut-out that prevents the heater from shutting off once it reaches the temperature threshold. Reset or replace your thermostat immediately if you notice this problem, as your energy bills will rise if it is left unresolved.
Frequent Tripping of Safety Cut-Out
This problem is often a sign of recurring overheating, electrical issues, or even sediment buildup on the heating element. For instance, if there are huge amounts of sediment (which acts like an insulator) in the tank, the heating element runs hotter than intended, which triggers the tripping mechanism.
Electric Immersion Heater: Safety Precautions
Before you work with an electric immersion heater for maintenance, turn off the consumer unit and remove the fuse from the isolator switch to eliminate any risk of electric shock. You don’t need to drain the hot water cylinder, but to prevent any accident while the heater is being serviced, it is recommended to isolate all the hot taps.
Wear protective gloves when you are working with the heater. Opt for electrical insulating gloves, like those made with rubber, that provide sufficient protection against electric shocks or hot temperatures.
How To Reset Immersion Heater Thermostat
The steps for how to reset your immersion heater thermostat are simple and easy to do by yourself.
Step 1: Locate the thermostat. It is usually installed on the top or side of the water cylinder beneath a protective cover secured by a nut or screw.
Step 2: Remove the protective cover by unscrewing or unclipping it. Perform this slowly to avoid damaging any nearby wiring around the thermostat.
Step 3: Search for the thermostat’s reset button. This is a small red button or a hole labeled “RESET.” Most of the time, the reset button will not make any “click” sound. Don’t worry, as the thermostat will still reset as long as you firmly press the button.
Step 4: Replace the cover securely and restore power at the consumer unit or isolator switch. Then, turn on the immersion heater and check if it begins to heat the water as normal.
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How To Adjust Immersion Heater Thermostat
Adjusting a thermostat means recalibrating its temperature setting within a desired range. To do this, you must access the thermostat’s dial, located under the same cover as the thermostat. Upon cover removal, you can now access the adjustment dial. Turn the screw clockwise (or counterclockwise) to adjust the temperature.
Make adjustments in small increments, so you can easily achieve the optimal temperature level. It is recommended to set the thermostat’s temperature between 50°C and 60°C. This range ensures comfort and safety for residential purposes.
How To Troubleshoot and Adjust Immersion Heater Thermostat
Effective troubleshooting and adjustment of your immersion heater thermostat is crucial to ensure a safe and efficient hot water production and avoid costly breakdowns. Here are some ways to solve common issues.
No Reset Button
A thermostat without a manual reset function is likely an older model that may lack an overheat safety cut-out. Since 2004, UK Building Regulations Part G have mandated thermal cut-outs for immersion heaters to prevent dangerous overheating. For safety and compliance, replace older thermostats with modern ones featuring integrated overheat protection, typically with a manual reset.
No Heat After Reset
Usually, a problem with the heating element or its electrical fuses limits the capacity of the immersion heater to produce hot water. You should replace these components (with the help of a qualified electrician) to fix this problem.
Scalding Water Persists
Say you lowered the thermostat, but the water remains excessively hot. This warrants immediate replacement of the device since it might be stuck or faulty already, which makes it unsafe for residential use.
Improve Water Heating by Optimizing Your Thermostat
Adjusting and resetting an immersion heater thermostat is a simple process that can save you from the risk of accidents and hefty replacement costs. Now, you can troubleshoot and apply preventive measures to keep your thermostat in an optimal and well-functioning condition.
But if the problem goes beyond your skills and experience, don’t hesitate to ask a professional. You can schedule a consultation with EcoFlow to learn more about your home’s possible heating solutions.
FAQs
Is there a thermostat in an immersion heater?
Yes, a thermostat is a crucial component that senses water temperature and controls the heating element of your immersion heater. It can be turned on or off to maintain your desired water temperature inside the hot water cylinder.
Can I adjust the thermostat myself?
Yes, you may adjust the thermostat based on your heating needs. But make sure to isolate the power before removing the cover or making any adjustments, and switch off the relevant circuit at your consumer unit (fuse box) for your safety.
What thermostat size is suitable for a 27-inch immersion heater?
Use an 18-inch thermostat for this immersion heater size. This thermostat size has sufficient scale to accurately measure the water’s temperature and adjust the controls accordingly, so you can safely use the water for bathing or washing.
