[benny donnelly]

just looking to here of the pros and cons of the peop who went with a hot water system as im considering myself

also what method of heating did you go for diesel, lpg etc

cheers

[sunshine windows]

Don't go diesel, waste of money from personal experience. Thinking of replacing mine with a cheap gas/lpg version

[Smudger]

You have to decide if the cost will be recouped by working quicker or when cold would freeze so you can carry on.

Some here use hot all year and say it makes a real difference, personally, never noticed much of a time difference between hot or cold whether that's regular cleans or manky one off work.

Hot is great during the winter months November to February for keeping the hoses supple and makes them easier to use.

I use immersion heaters in the tank cost £15 and heat overnight so prevent freezing as well

I couldn't get a written reply from my insurance company regarding lpg and as I employ can't take chances
Diesel systems are so highly priced I just don't see that you could get a return on your outlay

Darran

[samson]

I have a brilliant system for freezing water . . . . just go abroad somewhere hot for three months 

[Peter Rayner]

Hi I think this topic has been raised many times .I have one of the better hot water systems its gas and have used the hot about 3 times in a year. Lets look at a few facts  extra cost  the old chestnut about being able to work when its freezing is rubbish because your system is frozen, unless you put a heater in the back of the van over night or drain your water heater (a pain in the arse) it will freeze up and when it does 9 out of 10 times  its had it new boiler. Now for all those who says it cleans better . Think of this your a trad window cleaner you start the morning with you bucket of nice hot water as you go around you round are the windows getting worse or are you tacking longer as the water gets colder (I think not ).

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

Any chance of a link to the emmersion you use please?

You have to decide if the cost will be recouped by working quicker or when cold would freeze so you can carry on.

Some here use hot all year and say it makes a real difference, personally, never noticed much of a time difference between hot or cold whether that's regular cleans or manky one off work.

Hot is great during the winter months November to February for keeping the hoses supple and makes them easier to use.

I use immersion heaters in the tank cost £15 and heat overnight so prevent freezing as well

I couldn't get a written reply from my insurance company regarding lpg and as I employ can't take chances
Diesel systems are so highly priced I just don't see that you could get a return on your outlay

Darran

[Dave Willis]

I have gas (fogwash) waste of time in the summer. Dodgy insurance too. If I have time I may go down the immersion tank route this year.

[richard groves]

I think you have to ask yourself the questions - in an average year how many days were lost to freezing weather ? how many times was your equipment unusable because it was frozen ? had you have had hot water would have been out working  ?
and would the initial price and running costs of whichever hot water system you choose be worth the investment ?
In my situation the answer was no.

[Positivity]

For the few days a year when it's minus 4 or 5 an immersion heater does fine to stop the brushes freezing up. I also fill up direct with hot water with a bypass tap from the Combi boiler straight onto the outside tap for the days when it's colder than forecast or I forget / can't be bothered to put the immersion on.
I couldn't be bothered with the hassle using hot all year round.
Ask Dazmond

[Smudger]

The immersion is any standard one from the like of screw fix etc... You will need a back nut available from tool station and depending on the tank long arms !!

I'd also reccomend you use artic flex and don't run off an extension but a suitable socket on mains ring 32a I think

A search should bring up some great threads in installation and running, over six hours the tank gets to between 28 and  30 degrees, but close of play the remaining water is about 15 to 18 degrees

Darran

[benny donnelly]

Does it not cost a small fortune to run an immersion all night?  Also is it really that safe to have that voltage running in van while ur asleep

Are the LPG really that bad? For the money are they not worth having or is there other issues with then like insurance or fumes?

[Dave Willis]

LPG is good but installation and insurance is a bit of a grey area.

[Smudger]

Depends on your tariff but something in the region of 20p per hour.

Are you worried that your water tank is heating water overnight in your home ? Right next to where your sleeping ?

Darran

[M & C Window Cleaning]

Though I use hot water for about 2-3 months of the year, I could probably get away with not using it most of the time during those months. However, it makes my gear nice and warm to work with on those cold winter days and prevents freeze-ups on the days when the temperature does drop and stay below zero. I've not worn gloves in winter for years as a result.

I use an Ecotemp L5 propane shower heater when filling my barrels in the morning whilst I'm getting ready. It takes about an hour to fill 7  25ltr barrels

I have to say I don't find it cleans significantly better though it does feel slicker under the brush for some reason and it is a tad quicker on bird muck and snail trails.

[Smurf]

I had an old L5 heater for yonks until one night last winter. Guess who forgot to drain it down overnight...Oops!

[Smurf]

I replaced it with one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-New-8L-Gas-LPG-Propane-Tankless-Instant-Hot-Water-Heater-Boiler-Hot-/301722139509?hash=item46400a7b75

Which is a great little heater unlike the L5

[Smudger]

So did you have it installed by a gasman ?

Darran

[M & C Window Cleaning]

I replaced it with one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-New-8L-Gas-LPG-Propane-Tankless-Instant-Hot-Water-Heater-Boiler-Hot-/301722139509?hash=item46400a7b75

Which is a great little heater unlike the L5

Looks good. What are the dimensions? Is it smaller or bigger than the L5?

[Scrimble]

So did you have it installed by a gasman ?
Darran

its portable, do you need a gas man to hook up a bbq?

[Smurf]

I replaced it with one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-New-8L-Gas-LPG-Propane-Tankless-Instant-Hot-Water-Heater-Boiler-Hot-/301722139509?hash=item46400a7b75

Which is a great little heater unlike the L5

Looks good. What are the dimensions? Is it smaller or bigger than the L5?

Slightly bigger but not by much but to be honest I cant be arsed to measure it.
Anyway if you have a look on the fleebay link it give you them there