Use a Water Heater Timer and Save Big Bucks!

Written By Chouhab on jeudi 11 décembre 2008 | 13:42

By Ann Triune

Installing a water heater timer is the answer to your increasing electric bills. Water heaters use more electricity than any other appliance found at home. A usual family of four will probably spend at least $400 per year in electricity bills due to heating water.

A standard water heater generally keeps gallons of water heated 24 hours a day, not considering if hot water is actually being used or not. When you're out of the house, your water heater keeps on heating water, continues to do so until you get home to use it, and then heats again to prepare for your next use. This is why you get high utility bills. In order for you to save money, start considering setting up a water heater timer.

What is a Water Heater Timer?

A water heater timer is a device attached to your water heater that allows you to control when you want to turn on/off your water heater at different times of the day.

How does this play a role in saving energy?

Usually, hot water is only used for about two hours in the morning and two hours at night. This hot water can be used for showers, laundry, and doing the dishes. Instead of heating water over and over again during the course of the day, you can actually control when and how often your water heater functions. By doing so, you can save up to 12% of energy.

How does a water heater timer function?

Water heater timers have manual buttons that lets you set specific times to turn on/off your heater during the day. For some water heater timers, you can choose up to 24 on/off settings for each day so you can modify and fine tune your schedule.

If however, your schedule varies daily, there are more sophisticated water heater timers that come with a programmable function. A digital water heater timer is most effective and flexible, as it offers seven-day programming. You can set a different water heating schedule during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and a different one for Tuesdays and Thursdays, whatever suits you best. You are in charge of setting the schedules.

If your schedule only varies during weekends and weekdays, you can get less expensive timers that offer weekday and weekend schedule.

Digital timers also have a built-in backup that saves your schedule even when there is a power outage. Through this, you do not have to reset your schedule every time a power outage occurs. Water heater timers require minimal, if not zero maintenance.

How can I further lessen my utility bills?

Most utility companies offer a demand management program, where different rates are applied depending on the demand for electricity. During on peak hours (times when demand is high), higher rates are charged. On the other hand, lower rates are charged during off peak hours (when demand is low). If you can set your water heater timer to operate during off peak hours, you can further cut back on electricity costs.

If you're really concerned with the growing amount you are spending on utility costs, consider having a water heater timer. It is cost-efficient, cheap, and very easy to use. It is also a very good investment, since a water heater timer is able to pay for itself in the first two to three months of use, showing you how effective it is in cutting back energy and consequently, electricity costs.

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