Need Advice - Not a Novice

[Aleta]

FPl told me not to turn it off at the breaker because it could damage something. They put a switch on my water heater for me because I'm on the on-call program.

[Dave Rowtree]

The heater thing depends, it may take more energy heating the water tank back up to temperature than you saved by switching it off. If you're heater is well insulated this could be the case.

A few more money saving tips - drive a diesel car and persuade a local chip shop to give you their old cooking oil - use in car.

Check every month for good deals on personal loans: these may be better than paying off the credit cards high rates of interest.

[dreamweaver]

I understand the psychology of prepaying the mortgage. I tell myself that I get a 100% return on that money I have "invested" that way. But....when you get it into your mind you are going to be debt free and pay off your credit cards you stand a good chance of remaining debt free. And that is better in my mind. Most persons don't live in their current homes all their lives, and that is where the prepayment makes the most difference, over the long term. No credit card debt makes a difference in your life today.

[leggzz66]

Originally Posted by Ima saver

legg, we used to turn the hot water heater off at the breaker. Now, my husband puts a switch in the kitchen in all the houses he builds. So, you just flip the switch!!

did it make alot of differences? cost or ease?

[Ima saver]

No it is just easier to flip the switch. When I lived in florida we had to go and turn it off at the circuit breaker, but we still saved a lot of money doing that!

[SnoopyCool]

Ima, how early do you have to flip the switch before you take a shower?

[Aleta]

We do it about 20 minutes before we want hot water.

[alw_ays]

Originally Posted by Dave Rowtree

The heater thing depends, it may take more energy heating the water tank back up to temperature than you saved by switching it off. If you're heater is well insulated this could be the case.

What is the volume of your water heater, Aleta? (and anyone else who does the off-on thing?)

And will it work for a gas heater?

[Aleta]

I'm not sure about the temp, but I do know that whatever the dishwasher needs is what the temp is and no higher. I have heard that you can't use this on a gas heater, but don't quote me. I would ask around and maybe someone here has more knowledge about gas heaters.

[kristieburke30]

ok everyone got my attention here with the water heater. I'm always a little worried about messing with stuff like the breaker tho lol. i live in an apartment would it be ok to turn the water heater off at the breaker ( not that i know any other way ) will it blow a fuse?
i love the idea of saving more on my electric bill ..wow.. ya that would be nice.
thanks you all in advance

[alw_ays]

Sorry, Aleta. I actually meant to ask the capacity of the heater: 30 gallons? 10? Is it an extraordinarily small (like maybe just the amount of water needed to run the dishwasher?) or is it a normal sized one?

[Aleta]

I believe that it is a 30 gallon size. It is half the size of the tall one which I think is at least 40 gallons.

Also to the other person asking about turning off the water heater at the breaker: I would first call the electric company before doing it. People could have done this probably safely years ago, but we're now into computerized modes now. I was told by an FPL person to not turn it off at the circuit breaker because it could eventually break it. If in doubt, always ask. They had no problem installing a switch for me on my water heater and it was free. Also, see if your electric company that offers on call. I have had it for years, and I've never noticed an interruption in my service.

$4.50 is deducted from my bill in the winter time and $9.50 in the summertime. It is a way of savings.

[Ima saver]

I use to do it with the breaker when I lived in florida. Now, my husband installs a switch inside the kitchen in every house he builds. You can just flip the switch to turn off the hot water heater.
Do not do this with gas water heaters!

Hi Everyone,

I did not think I saw this mentioned but if it was sorry. Another way to save on the electric bill is to replace your current light bulbs with energy savings one. They are costly to start out; to outfit my house it cost me $160 including all the specialty and outside lights, but the savings is HUGE in the long run. The light bulbs have a life span of 5-7 years and I figure it will take me 6 months to payoff the bulbs based on my families usage. Now if you live in an apartment you just make sure to change out the bulbs prior to moving and take them with you.

[My English Castle]

Anyone in the US have a tankless water heater?

They just seem to be appearing in newer homes in our area. Of course my British husband says Americans are way behind Europe with tankless water heating (sigh), but I agree that it's gotta be a waste to heat all that water when you don't need it.