hot water tank timers
- Thread starter FMC
- Start date
6768rogues
Banned
In the old days the utility company offered peak/off peak meters. We had one and nighttime electric was about a third of the cost of daytime electric. We had a large water heater that only heated at night. With careful use, our family of 6 never ran out of hot water. I still have one of those meters at my farm, but there are no new ones available. I wouldn't bother if you don't have a way to get cheaper electric at night. Not knowing where you are located, I suggest a call to the electric company to see if they offer off peak metering.
darcyh
Well-known member
If you are connected through a time of use electric meter, a timer will reduce consumption during peak cost hours. Here in Taxtario electric rates drop from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am then rise considerably.
Installed a timer to turn off water heater during the day. Turns back on after 7 pm. Checking my electric bills, I calculated we saved about 5 bucks / month.
Timer cost ~ $70. It paid for itself in 14 months. I went with a Tork digital 240 volt / 2 pole timer at Lowes.
Regards
Dave
Installed a timer to turn off water heater during the day. Turns back on after 7 pm. Checking my electric bills, I calculated we saved about 5 bucks / month.
Timer cost ~ $70. It paid for itself in 14 months. I went with a Tork digital 240 volt / 2 pole timer at Lowes.
Regards
Dave
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
The main purpose of the timer is to keep the heater from cycling on when you are not at home. If you have a good water heater, then it won't lose much heat sitting idle and the timer is probably not worth the expense and hassle of installing it.
I used one a long time ago, and found it did about nothing for me.
You are probably better off to put the money toward a efficient water heater such as the Marathon. They claim a heat loss of only 5° while sitting idle for 24 hrs. I'm getting ready to order one on a deal (good thru the 31st) from an EMC I talked with at the Ag Expo in October.
Charles
I used one a long time ago, and found it did about nothing for me.
You are probably better off to put the money toward a efficient water heater such as the Marathon. They claim a heat loss of only 5° while sitting idle for 24 hrs. I'm getting ready to order one on a deal (good thru the 31st) from an EMC I talked with at the Ag Expo in October.
Charles
Highbeam
Well-known member
I want a marathon too, but not until I filter and treat my raw water. Soon.
No off peak power price reduction = no timer. Unnecessary cost, complication, and takes up space.
No off peak power price reduction = no timer. Unnecessary cost, complication, and takes up space.
I think you have defined the situation, we are on a tier charge system so kind of pointless all things considered
Autorotica
Well-known member
I have one of the water heater timers. Its hooked to the circuit dedicated to window candles...
Hehehehe,
Chris
Hehehehe,
Chris
jvitez
Well-known member
I've got a 75 gal Marathon water heater, which I specifically spec'd during our house build due to us being on a well. With their polybutylene tank there is no possiblity of galvanic corrosion, therefore no need for an anode rod. No anode rod equals no rotten egg smell (if it's a magnesium anode).
The tank's fibreglass outer shell is never warm to touch. I believe the very low rate of heat loss they claim. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser.