Posts: 2,980
Threads: 177
Joined: Aug 2006
My water heater is under the house. It is one of those short fat electric ones and I am not ready to upgrade to solar. It consumes a lot of electricity just sittin' there. I would like to put a timer on it, but I have a timer on something else under the house and it always goes out whack because the frequent electric outages here. And then I have to put on my kneepads, which I have kept handy lately.
Is there a way to include a timer at the panel, which is in the house? Or is that just cwazy? Or to put the timer in a more convenient place that doesn't require kneepads?
I have just been flipping off the switch when I go to bed at night and then turning it on in the morning. That works when I remember to do it.
Posts: 4,920
Threads: 83
Joined: Feb 2009
You need to use a contactor or remote relay.It would look something like this :
http://waterheatertimer.org/Install.html
Posts: 1,175
Threads: 12
Joined: Jun 2008
Just install an on/off switch for the heater somewhere away from the breaker box,
but nearby, or inside (kitchen?) to be easily seen if your box is outside.
Depending on your situation, a timer, installed wherever (near the heater?) may be simpler.
Intermatic and others make good ones.
Good luck, and much hot water when you need it.
Posts: 299
Threads: 49
Joined: Jun 2003
It would be relatively easy to install a timer above or below the panel. It would be a bit more difficult to go to the left or right side, because of the studs in the wall. Partly it depends on how nice you want the finished installation to look.
jerry
Posts: 2,980
Threads: 177
Joined: Aug 2006
Ooooh, okay, yeah, Obie....a switch could be installed in the house for a remote relay. punaticbychoice, the breaker box is inside the house, so I can just turn it off there if I remember, which do whenever I get my Helco bill. I could install a timer under the house where the heater is, but then I would end up having to crawl around under there to reset it when the power goes out. When the power goes out, it kinda creates a leap year effect and you have to readjust your "clocks" (timers) at some point to account for the time you were without power. Those times are usually very brief, but they add up and, uh, I'm kinda lookin' for something to whine about and this is it. I have to crawl under the house readjust the timer. I know, really.....that's my complaint.
Posts: 2,484
Threads: 10
Joined: Feb 2008
I am often away from home for days at a time. When I leave I always turn off the water heater. If I get home the next day the water is still pretty warm. The day after and it is luke warm Three days and it is cold. That's like wasting a whole tank every three days. In fact it is worse than that because the rate of heat loss goes down as the temperature goes down. Keeping your tank hot really costs you. On the other hand to see a savings you must keep the tank off as much as possible. Can you shut off the power in the morning, after you shower? That would give you the greatest amount of down time, instead of just overnight. Better yet, shut it off just before you shower and use up the hot water in the tank, so it is not wasting energy heating a tank that will only sit all day.
Posts: 14,121
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
Replace the "standing" water heater with on-demand electric. Forget the timer.
Posts: 2,980
Threads: 177
Joined: Aug 2006
Any problems with on-demand on catchment using electricity rather than propane? My leeriness over on-demand comes from having ONLY on demand in my Paris apartment. I took baths in the sink as there was no shower and that water was always sooooooo cold.
But that was 1970's technology, kalakoa, like my cordoroy short shorts and I imagine things have improved since then. By the way, my cordoroy shorts are only 2 years old, but they are based on 1970's technology. Just want to get that straight. Thanks.
Posts: 4,920
Threads: 83
Joined: Feb 2009
They make timers with battery back-up.You would still have the problem of having it under the house.You may have a need for hot water at some time other than when the timer is on.
It's not a good idea to use the breaker as a switch.Normally double pole breakers are not rated to be used as a switch and over time it will wear out.There are exceptions but most electricians will tell you not to do it.
Posts: 2,980
Threads: 177
Joined: Aug 2006
Bingo. I think that would work -- a battery back up on a timer! That could take care of things as well as they can be taken care of. Yes, there would be off-the-timer hours when I would want to use it, but I think the water would stay warm enough in our climate so that I could. Timer with a battery back up. That works for me. Thank you.
