Boiler switched off and on

[cwhaley]

I'm just wondering how well a Main Eco Combi Boiler (30) can cope with being switched on and off over a short amount of time.

I grew up with a very old Glo-Worm boiler. It was dead reliable but we only had hot water in the evenings -- it was never on-demand, so as a kid/teen I never expected to have it when I wanted. Girlfriend on the other hand always expects hot water. I don't have the pre-heat function switched on but when washing hands, she'll put the hot water tap on, not wait for hot water, wash them then switch it off which means the boiler is constantly kicking in for 10-15 seconds to heat water, then switching off as the demand is cancelled before fully warming up. As she's a nurse she washes her hands a fair bit out of habit and I've estimated it to come on around 6 or 7 times every evening just for a short fire up.

Would pre-heat be worth putting on? Does this kind of usage damage them?

 

[footprints]

Pre heat will help, boiler is designed for it so unlikely to cause excessive wear.
It will use a bit more gas but as it will deliver hot quicker the water saving and shorter run time should balance out.
I use mine but you still get a slight delay before hot water reaches the tap.

 

[fixitflav]

I'm just wondering how well a Main Eco Combi Boiler (30) can cope with being switched on and off over a short amount of time.

I grew up with a very old Glo-Worm boiler. It was dead reliable but we only had hot water in the evenings -- it was never on-demand, so as a kid/teen I never expected to have it when I wanted. Girlfriend on the other hand always expects hot water. I don't have the pre-heat function switched on but when washing hands, she'll put the hot water tap on, not wait for hot water, wash them then switch it off which means the boiler is constantly kicking in for 10-15 seconds to heat water, then switching off as the demand is cancelled before fully warming up. As she's a nurse she washes her hands a fair bit out of habit and I've estimated it to come on around 6 or 7 times every evening just for a short fire up.

Would pre-heat be worth putting on? Does this kind of usage damage them?

Educate your girlfriend would be my suggestion. That will save you money as well.

 

[cwhaley]

Thanks both for the suggestions. I switched pre-heat off specifically for the gas savings (not on water meter) but I'm beginning to think it'd be better to pay a bit more and have it on. I was just worried that it going on and off by demand would wear it out prematurely. I already think the three-way valve has gone on it as all radiators heat up when the hot water is on.

Tried for several years to educate her! Don't let the front door slam, don't leave the bedroom light on, switch the extractor fan on when cooking veg, etc., etc., etc. She makes some cracking meals though AND doesn't mind the "old man" real ale pubs I take her to, so I let her off most of the time.