How much can I save by turning off the electric water heater at night?

I have a 40 gallon water heater.

How much of a difference does getting a timer for an electric water heater make? I want to turn it off at night. If you have some KWH data, that would help me make a decision.

How much does it cost for one? (US $, please).

Are they easy to install?

Do you think I could skip getting a timer and just do it manually?

How long should I wait before taking a shower/doing the dishes?

[Tightwad Kitty]

Hi rebelchai

Here in my State, we have tariffs on our hot water from supplier, they are the one that turn off & on the hot water via load control switch, a special meter in your meter box. One tariff cost 8.107 cent per unit and runs for 18 hours per day not at peak hours. (This is the one I am on). The other tariff cost 5.511 cent per unit and only run between 10pm and 7 am. If you don’t use a lot of hot water this one is Ok! I do turn down the temperature on my hot water and only run it on high if our winter is a cold one. I live in the sub-tropics in Australia. It’s time that I review my own tariff use here.

As for your question “How many KWH turning the hot water heater off will save me, and how long I should wait before taking a shower after I turn it on?” I wouldn’t be able to tell you. Your hot water system tank is larger than the one I have 140L (35 gallons). I do save money by not running my hot water system at its highest temperature.

I hope this helps you, I am sorry that I can’t answer you question.

Thanks, Tightwad Kitty,

Using GoodSearch I found this information on water heater maintenance:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/.../mytopic=13110

Maybe this will help others?

[Ima saver]

I keep my elec. water heater off most of the day. I only turn it on for showers and to wash dishes. I read that 20-25% of your electric bill is from heating water.
For years, I would go and turn the water heater off at the circuit breaker. Now, when my husband builds houses, he puts a switch in every kitchen.
I would not mess with the expense of a timer cause it is easy to flip the switch on the circuit breaker.

[Ima saver]

Oh, second question, I let the water heat up for 20 minutes before taking a shower.

[coffeebreak]

Timers can cost $40 to $60 so see what your monthly savings would be if you shut the water heater off manually for a month. Shut it off at night AND when you go to work. Probably back on a half hour before you need hot water. An alternative to a water heater timer is to just have a timer that reminds you to turn the water heater off manually.

If the water heater is old, a water heater blanket might be a better way to go. You can get a timer and a blanket at Home Depot.

Here's a website that talks about using a timer:
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/waterheaters.html

Thanks for the help, coffeebreak. Yea, I'd read the "michaelbluejay" site, but since we already have the waterheater insulated and housed, I was wondering what else I could do.

The circuitbreaker is a 20-foot walk into the 5ft. tall, mud-floored cellar. I just started making the dark trek a couple days ago. I don't know if I'm going to keep doing it or buy a timer. Time will tell.

[CJsoccerchic]

The answer to your question is A WHOLE LOT!!!! I went from a average bill of $100 to $50 just by turning off the water heater when not in use. Like Imasaver, I just switch the circuit breaker, it's FREE and easy - why pay $40 - $60 when you can doit for free? The downside, you have to REMEMBER to turn it off and on for when you need it. It's habit to me already and my husband has finally caught on. So we are saving money!!

[cicy33]

Of course to please remember to all readers. Do not attempt this if your water heater is gas. just turning it down should help. I also read on here that bacteria could form if the water is not kept hot? Not sure about that though.

Walking in the cellar daily reminds me why we want so badly to move into a different house - flooding. Every year. Now that the frost is really breaking up, the sump pump is on A LOT. I forgot to include that cost in all of my posts regarding our electric usage.

Thanks you all so much for the responses.

[Tightwad Kitty]

Originally Posted by cicy33

Of course to please remember to all readers. Do not attempt this if your water heater is gas. just turning it down should help. I also read on here that bacteria could form if the water is not kept hot? Not sure about that though.

Sorry that I didn't save website address when I got this information, but just Google 'legionlella water temperature. ' This is part of info for Dutch hospitals.

Part of quote 'Warm water should not drop below 60C whereas cold water should not exceed 25 C. Tap points with a deviated temperature are cultured quantitatively for LEGIONELLA. '

Dr. D.Veenendaal,
Public Health Laboratory Kennemerland
Boerhaavelaan 29
2035 RC Haarlem
The Netherlands

That's around 140F hot water & 77F cold water (Will someone check my figures, please) TIA

[Ima saver]

Well I have turned it off for 23 hours a day, for the last 29 years, with no problems!1 It becomes very automatic!!