"Clearfield Consumer" wrote in message
oups.com...
I recently moved into a home that has a new Whirlpool Energy Smart
water heater that uses the little computer control box and is claimed
to save electricty.

http://www.whirlpoolwaterheaters.com...ectric_how.php

This water heater is also hooked up to a timer. The previous owner had
the control set to "Smart" in which case the water heater operates like
a conventional unit and also had it on a timer.


I am under the impression that a timer on a water heater this new is of
little use and that it will also interfear (sp?) with the operation of
the Energy Smart circuit. I am thinking that setting the control to
"Energy Smart " mode and not useing the timer would be a more
economical choice.

Should I disconnect the timer and let the energy smart circuit do it's
job or can they both be used together?


FYI the tanks that are branded with the Whirlpool TM are made by
US/Craftmaster. Having warranted two of the early runs of the control your
water heater (two different tanks) uses IMO you'll be better served by
disabling the timer control. The control monitors the tank temperature with
a thermister adjusting the element use in an effort to save energy.
Switching the power on and off to a solid state control "could" shorten the
life of the control while serving little practical savings.

All my dealings with US/Craftmaster's customer service in their Johnson City
Tennessee service center has been quick and responsive. They handle tank
problems by issuing a service request number that you take to Lowes along
with the water heater and do a simple exchange. For DYIs the programs and
call center they have in place are likely second to none.