DIYbanter - View Single Post - REQ: Should I Consider Putting Timer on HWH?

wrote:
geezer wrote:

What with the escalating cost of electricity, it strikes me maybe I
can save some bucks by putting a timer on my hot water heater.
I could set it to heat HW only when needed (assuming Frau and I can
regulate our needs). Certainly it could be off, say, midnight to
wake-up. Maybe I am dreaming here?

Yes. If your water heater is insulated, it's likely the timer will use
more electrical energy than it saves.

Nick

Another thing to consider is that if your water heater is located where
heat leaking from it can help keep the house warm in the winter, you are
making some use of that little bit of lost heat.

Now, if you really want to get some energy back to help keep the place
warm during the winter, just keep the shower drain plugged while
showering and leave the water standing in it until it cools to room
temperature before letting it drain out. Same approach if you take baths
in the tub.

(That's not an idea I can take credit for, but it's suprising how many
otherwise clever folks never think about doing that.)

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia

(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"Truth exists; only falsehood has to be invented."