Electric hot water heater timer

[skatz420]

I would like to share with everyone that I installed a hot water heater timer. It comes on at like 6am and shuts off at 8am. I also programmed it to come on at 4:30pm and then shut off at 6:30pm. So far I have saved an average of 15-20$ a month on my electric bill. It cost me about 35$ and so far I have saved about 100$ on my electric bill.

[wildman25]

Timers are a good idea for small households that use very little hot water. Most have an over-ride to turn it on in times of need, but if there's a lot of water run you'll be running cold rather quickly. Or even worse, luke warm because the water replacing the water run out of the tank is cold and not heating up. Every little bit helps, for sure, but be aware of the limitations. I actually converted my 2 heaters to "instant" hot water and never looked back. Granted, we're a large quantity household- but now the kids can sing ballads in the shower and never run cold :) Instant heaters have limits too, the largest is if you shut the water off, even for a second, the water will burst cold again. It's only for a few seconds while the computer determines temp raise to volume calculations for the requested temperature. Kudos on lowering the bill a little, I would suggest looking into cfl bulbs if not already- you might double your savings.

[skatz420]

Ya I have all twirly bulbs. I am never home during the day and no kids so it works out.

[fixit19]

Why would anyone need to heat hot water if it is hot to start with ? lol Just joking with you . I shut the breakers off about 23 hrs per day on mine .Saves 25-40 per month . Good idea

[satchick]

If you use timers, you don't want to let the temperature of the water being held in the tank to drop below ~120F as you will start to get bacteria growth, and some of it is hazardous. In addition, you're also using more energy to reheat the water after allowing it to get cold, or after you run out of hot water.

[autobuff]

I have done the same thing the switch cost me 85 bucks but it paid for it self in 2 months

[JCO]

Insulate the tanks that will generate enormous savings and no risk of bacteria building up in the tank..