Electric water heater on timer?

[noel]

I wish I could afford to buy a nice gas tankless unit, but they are just to expensive. I was wondering if anyone had heard of or used a standard electric water heater on a timer? I have standard gas heater now and my bill last month was $47.00. I've been wanting to move the heater out of the hall closet, but I don't have any other place to put it, except the attic. An electric one would give me more placement options. If I could break even on monthly cost with an electric on a timer vs: a standard gas, I would do it. Any opinions?
Thanks

[Mr T]

If the heater is not very effecient, it wont do you any good. THe heater will loose heat during the time off and when it kicks on, the heater will have to run extra to catch up.

If you wanna test, turn your heater off for a while, then back on, see how long it runs. If it is not bad, you may be ok. But if it runs overtime, I wouldnt do it.

I got a electric heater that we rent from our power company. It is a super effecient model (2" concrete+2" foam). It has a off peak timer and is 115 gallons to give you enough hot water for a day or 2. It barley shows on our electric bill. We get a monthly discount for having it which more then coveres the rent. All maintenance is included. We had the timer blow out one day (we think from a storm on a sunday).. It went cold tuesday. and that was with a few showers, load of laundry and dishes. Not bad.

[DUNBAR PLUMBER]

Mdshunk will know about these setups. Some electric companies (mostly rural) have optional setups on water heaters that allow you to run the heater on Off-peak times, like after 5:30 pm or certain times during the day.


Supposedly it is done by satellite transmission. Just a box where the electric ties into it with a light detecting on or off peak settings. I recall seeing these when replacing water heaters in certain rural settings.

A timer any other way would not be in your best interest as mentioned.




crash_! bow_1

[Mr T]

Here is a link to the controller and heater that I have.
http://www.vaughncorp.com/html/multicontrol.html
http://www.vaughncorp.com/html/electric.html
They changed the models around a bit, but we got their largest one. It'l still pump out hot water after 2 days of no power. I dont think this type of setup will save any money in the long run with your every day off the shelf heater.

...And some pics if you dont feel like clicking the above.

[joed]

The only reason to put a heater on a timer is if you get off peak rates on your electric. I don't belive a n electrciheater will be less costly then gas. Gas is usually the cheapest way to heat water.

[Mr T]

we rent that setup for 13$ a month (came with the house).
all maintenance is included.
we get a 12-18$ a month discount for having a off peak heater.

The heater is very efficient. Our electric bill averages just under 50 a month. entire house but the furnace is electric.

I saw something in my bill that the company that rents these heaters (America's water heater rentals) now does the same with gas heaters. (not sure about a discount)