timer help

Hi

I have a Boilermate II/Potterton Suprima Boiler with a mechanical timer for central heating, which is controlled by a mains switch. The advice on the cylinder is to leave the main switch 'on' all time for continuous supply of hot water. The mechanical timer controls the central heating only. I left the mains 'on' (hot water) all time and i thought that it will be economical to keep the water hot all time. However, this led to expensive energy bill. So i started turning the mains off after 2 hrs (in summer), i had continuous hot water supply throughout the day (to an extent) and saved a lot on energy bill. I am wondering whether i can change mechanical timer so that it could control the Hot water and central heating, or put an another timer for the mains and leave the heating 'off' in summer and 'on' all time in winter.

Many thanks for your reply.

Ram

No
You have a thermal store.
The timer works the heating only.
Leave that on and use the room stat only if you wish.
But the BM II needs to be kept hot.
Then you will alway have hot water.
You could get the unit checked out to see if all is well.
As in boiler working ( serviced when?)
BM II heating up and switching boiler off.
Unit full etc. Not low on water or blocked cold feed.
Energy bills will / are going to be high.With what ever one uses.
Just ensure all is ok.
Mike
MGC/H2O
Norfolk.

Thanks a lot for your reply Mike.

Does installing a timer actually reduces the efficiency/life span of the boiler/storate cylinder? (Sorry, I am not an engineer). Further I don't need hot water all 24/7 and I don't mind waiting few minutes for HW to heat up/room to heat up, as the current method i use reduces (switching the mains off/on manually) does reduce the bill significantly and I am able to survive with required HW and CH.

Ram

Boilermate II.
It is a thermal store.
You could turn the dial down to the summer setting.
If you let the BM II get cold then it will take a fair time to re heat.
Yes you can put a timer on if you wish.
Mike
MGC/H2O
Norfolk