Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz, a popular water heating control designed to leverage cheaper night-rate electricity. We’ll delve into its key features, how it works, installation tips, and troubleshooting advice to help you maximize your hot water efficiency and savings.
Introduction
The Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz is a renowned electro-mechanical water heating control designed to optimize hot water usage by taking advantage of cheaper night-rate electricity. This device allows you to heat your water during off-peak hours, ensuring a readily available supply of hot water for your daily needs while minimizing energy costs. The Economy 7 Quartz is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and efficient solution for managing their water heating systems. Its user-friendly interface, robust features, and proven track record have made it a staple in many households. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand, install, and effectively use the Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz, empowering you to make the most of this energy-saving device.
Key Features and Benefits
The Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz boasts a range of features designed to enhance your water heating experience and maximize your savings. Here are some of its key advantages⁚
- Precise Time Control⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz offers accurate timekeeping, ensuring your water heating cycles align perfectly with your electricity tariff, maximizing cost savings.
- Rechargeable Battery⁚ The device features a rechargeable battery that maintains timekeeping even during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted operation and eliminating the need to reset your settings.
- Boost Timer⁚ A convenient boost timer allows you to quickly heat additional water for immediate use, perfect for those unexpected occasions when you need extra hot water.
- Summer/Winter Time Settings⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz accommodates seasonal time changes with ease, automatically adjusting to summer and winter time settings.
- Easy Installation⁚ The device is designed with large terminals and a back box, making installation straightforward and accessible for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
- User-Friendly Interface⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz features a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to set and adjust your water heating schedule, even for those less familiar with technical devices.
These features combine to make the Economy 7 Quartz a highly efficient and user-friendly solution for managing your water heating system, ensuring hot water availability while optimizing your energy consumption and reducing your electricity bills.
How the Economy 7 Quartz Works
The Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz is a sophisticated yet simple device that leverages the concept of “Economy 7” tariffs, where electricity prices are lower during off-peak hours, typically overnight. Here’s how it operates⁚
The Economy 7 Quartz acts as a timer, controlling the operation of your immersion heater. During the designated off-peak hours, the timer activates the immersion heater, allowing it to heat your water tank. This pre-heating ensures a supply of hot water for the morning, when electricity prices are higher. The timer is set to automatically switch off the immersion heater once the water reaches the desired temperature or when the off-peak period ends.
The device features a clock with a 24-hour dial and an indicator for summer and winter time. This allows you to adjust the heating schedule to align with your electricity tariff and your hot water needs. The timer is also equipped with a “Boost” function, which allows you to manually heat additional water for immediate use. This is particularly useful when you need extra hot water for a specific occasion.
The Economy 7 Quartz is designed to maximize your energy savings by ensuring that your water is heated during the most cost-effective hours. This allows you to enjoy the convenience of hot water while minimizing your energy expenditure.
Installation and Setup
Installing the Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz is generally a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and ensure you have the necessary tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started⁚
Power Disconnect⁚ Before you begin, always disconnect the power supply to your immersion heater. This is crucial for safety and prevents any electrical hazards during the installation process.
Location⁚ Choose a suitable location for the Economy 7 Quartz. It should be easily accessible for setting the time and operating the boost function. Make sure the location is protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
Mounting⁚ Mount the Economy 7 Quartz to a wall or suitable surface using the provided screws or brackets. Ensure it is securely fixed and level.
Wiring⁚ Connect the wires from the Economy 7 Quartz to your immersion heater. Follow the wiring diagram provided in the instruction manual. Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated.
Time Setting⁚ Set the time on the Economy 7 Quartz using the clock dial. Adjust the time according to your local time zone and the summer/winter time settings.
Testing⁚ After installation, turn the power back on and test the Economy 7 Quartz by setting the timer and checking the immersion heater’s operation. Ensure it is working as expected.
If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, it’s highly recommended to consult a qualified electrician to install and set up your Economy 7 Quartz. This ensures the installation is done correctly and safely.
Using the Economy 7 Quartz
Once installed, the Economy 7 Quartz is designed for easy operation. It allows you to take advantage of cheaper night-rate electricity, ensuring you have hot water readily available when you need it. Here’s how to use it effectively⁚
Setting the Time⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz has a clock dial that lets you set the time accurately. This is crucial to ensure the immersion heater cycles on and off at the right times, aligning with the cheaper night-rate electricity period.
Boost Timer⁚ If you need hot water quickly, the Economy 7 Quartz includes a boost timer. Turning the boost timer knob allows you to heat the water for a specific duration, providing hot water on demand. It’s particularly useful for those instances when you need extra hot water for showers or baths.
Battery Reserve⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz is equipped with a battery reserve that keeps the clock running even during power outages. This ensures the timer continues to function accurately and maintains the heating schedule, even if there are power interruptions.
To get the most out of your Economy 7 Quartz, it’s essential to understand the specific time periods when cheaper electricity is available in your area. This allows you to program the timer accordingly and maximize your savings.
Setting the Time
Setting the time on the Economy 7 Quartz is crucial for ensuring your immersion heater operates efficiently and aligns with the cheaper night-rate electricity period. The process is straightforward and involves using the clock dial located on the front of the control unit.
Locate the Clock Dial⁚ The clock dial is typically a circular dial with markings for hours and minutes. It may also have a separate dial for summer and winter time settings. Locate this dial on the front of the Economy 7 Quartz unit.
Turn the Clock Dial⁚ Carefully turn the clock dial clockwise until the time line aligns with the current time. Remember to consider whether it’s summer or winter time and adjust the dial accordingly.
Check for Correct Alignment⁚ Once you’ve set the time, ensure that the hour and minute hands are pointing at the correct time. This is essential for ensuring the immersion heater cycles on and off at the right times to maximize your savings on electricity.
If you’re unsure about the correct time setting or have any difficulty aligning the time, consult the user manual for detailed instructions or seek professional assistance.
Boost Timer
The Boost Timer on the Economy 7 Quartz is a handy feature that lets you manually heat your water tank for a specific duration, providing hot water on demand. This is particularly useful if you’re expecting guests or need extra hot water for a specific task.
Locate the Boost Timer Knob⁚ The Boost Timer is typically a knob located on the front of the Economy 7 Quartz unit. It’s often marked with a “Boost” label or a symbol depicting a heating element.
Activate the Boost Function⁚ Turn the Boost Timer knob anti-clockwise to the “START” position. This will activate the boost function, and the immersion heater will begin heating the water tank.
Adjust the Boost Duration⁚ The Boost period can be adjusted by turning the knob to an intermediate position. The available boost durations vary depending on the specific Economy 7 Quartz model, so consult your user manual for the precise settings.
Automatic Shutdown⁚ The heater will automatically switch off after the selected boost time has elapsed or when the desired water temperature is reached. This ensures that you have hot water when you need it without wasting energy.
Remember to use the Boost Timer sparingly, as prolonged use can increase your electricity bill. For routine hot water needs, rely on the regular Economy 7 settings.
Battery Reserve
The Economy 7 Quartz features a built-in battery reserve that ensures the unit continues to operate even during power outages. This is a crucial safety feature that prevents you from losing access to hot water in the event of a power interruption.
The battery reserve is designed to power the clock mechanism for up to 6 days, providing continuous operation even when the main power supply is disrupted. This means you can still rely on your hot water system during power outages, ensuring a reliable supply of hot water for basic needs.
Here’s how the battery reserve works⁚
- Automatic Power Backup⁚ When a power outage occurs, the battery reserve automatically kicks in, powering the clock mechanism and maintaining the scheduled heating cycles.
- Extended Operation⁚ The battery reserve provides a sufficient power supply to maintain the clock’s operation for up to 6 days, ensuring uninterrupted hot water availability.
- Power Restoration⁚ Once the main power supply is restored, the Economy 7 Quartz seamlessly transitions back to normal operation, with the clock automatically synchronizing with the power grid.
The battery reserve is a vital component of the Economy 7 Quartz, providing peace of mind and ensuring that you always have access to hot water, even during unexpected power disruptions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz is a reliable device, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s a guide to troubleshooting these problems⁚
- No Power⁚ If the Economy 7 Quartz is not receiving power, check the fuse box to ensure the circuit breaker is not tripped. Inspect the power cord for any damage or loose connections. If the power cord is damaged, replace it with a certified replacement.
- Clock Not Working⁚ If the clock is not working correctly, check the battery. If the battery is depleted, replace it with a new battery of the same type. Ensure the battery is properly installed and the battery terminals are clean. If the clock still doesn’t work, the clock mechanism itself might be faulty and require professional repair.
- Heater Not Switching On⁚ If the heater is not switching on, check the timer settings to ensure the heating cycle is scheduled correctly. Ensure the immersion heater is connected to the Economy 7 Quartz and that there is no fault in the immersion heater circuit.
- Heater Not Reaching Desired Temperature⁚ If the heater is not reaching the desired temperature, check the thermostat settings. Ensure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and is functioning correctly. If the thermostat is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Short Cycling⁚ If the heater is repeatedly switching on and off in short intervals, check the thermostat settings. Ensure the thermostat is not set too high and is functioning correctly. If the thermostat is faulty, it will need to be replaced. Other potential causes include a faulty immersion heater element or a build-up of sediment in the water tank.
If you are unable to resolve the issue yourself, it is recommended to contact a qualified electrician or a heating engineer for professional assistance.
Safety Precautions
The Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz is a safe and reliable device when used correctly. However, like any electrical appliance, it’s crucial to follow essential safety precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your property.
- Electrical Safety⁚ Always disconnect the power supply to the Economy 7 Quartz before performing any maintenance or repairs. Ensure that your hands are dry and that you are not standing on a wet surface when working with electrical components. Never use a damaged or frayed power cord.
- Water Safety⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz is designed to control water heating. Never touch or attempt to repair any part of the device while it is submerged in water. Ensure that the immersion heater is properly installed and that there are no leaks in the water tank or plumbing system.
- Fire Safety⁚ The Economy 7 Quartz uses electricity to heat water. Ensure the device is installed in a well-ventilated area and that there are no flammable materials in the vicinity. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent potential fire hazards.
- Child Safety⁚ Keep the Economy 7 Quartz and its controls out of reach of children. Young children may be curious and could potentially tamper with the device, leading to accidents or injuries. Consider using child-resistant covers or locking mechanisms to ensure safety.
By adhering to these safety precautions, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of your Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz and minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
Where to Find the User Manual
Accessing the user manual for your Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz is essential for understanding its features, operation, and troubleshooting tips. There are several convenient ways to locate the manual⁚
- Online Resources⁚ Numerous websites offer free access to user manuals for various products, including the Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz. Websites like Manuals.Plus specialize in providing comprehensive instruction manuals for a wide range of products. You can search for the manual by entering the product name or model number.
- Manufacturer’s Website⁚ The official Horstmann website is another excellent resource for finding user manuals. They often have a dedicated section for product support, including downloadable user guides and technical documentation.
- Retailer’s Website⁚ If you purchased your Economy 7 Quartz from a retailer, their website might have a section for product manuals. Many retailers offer online access to user guides for the products they sell.
- Contact Horstmann⁚ If you’re unable to find the manual online, you can contact Horstmann directly. They have a customer support team that can assist you with locating the manual or providing any other necessary information.
Remember, always refer to the official user manual for the most up-to-date information and instructions specific to your model of the Horstmann Economy 7 Quartz.
