I refer to letters that have appeared in this paper regarding the bathroom water heaters. I have had a metre/timer for years and years. The whole idea is to look after the heater itself and save on wastage. Insulating the heater against heat loss and keeping it at an unnecessary high temperature will eventually burst the heater at the seams.

My first heater was guaranteed for seven years and lasted 24. My second 10-year guarantee lasted 12 years. I am now on my third which is just over two years old. I am sure that switching it on and off, the constant heat metal expansion/cool, is not good on the heater. A good heater does not come cheap and the quality, metal gauge and insulation is not what it used to be. Besides, the hassle and nuisance to remember to switch on and off removes the luxury of modern living.

In summer, one notch on the timer, which is about 10 minutes, at 6.30 a.m. and another at 4 p.m. is sufficient. In winter one has to add on heating and it is important to avoid fluctuating temperatures. I have found it better to add that extra notch at midnight, so as to have one notch in the morning, one at 4 p.m. and one at midnight - 30 minutes heating in 24 hours and the water temperature is perfect. Of course, one adjusts according to the number of members in the family and the size of the heater. I prefer the 80 litres capacity.