- #1
Mk
- 2,043
- 4
Will turning the water heater on and off save pwoer!>!>?!?
In summary: I have a natural gas water heater. The timer would just be for an extra layer of security if something happened to the power.In summary, turning the water heater on and off may not save power, but it might be worth it for people who are going away for a month's vacation.
- #2
Moonbear
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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How long did you plan to turn it off? If you're just going to turn it off a few hours and turn it back on when it's time to shower, probably not. But if you're going away for a month's vacation, it would.
- #3
cronxeh
Gold Member
- 1,007
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Perhaps instead of being concerned with the consumption aspect you should simply increase amount of electricity available to you - get solar cells, windmills, etc?
- #4
Chi Meson
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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I notice you are in Guam. If you are considering getting a timer that controls the time your electric heater switches on, I'd say you would save enough money in eight years to pay for the timer.
- #5
cronxeh
Gold Member
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Chi Meson said:
thats cold dude
- #6
pattylou
- 306
- 0
Some water heaters are more efficient, or insulation on the heater (not sure of the details on this one) can help reduce energy consumption, or turning it down a degree or two (or five) so it doesn't need to heat up so much - These things help too.
- #7
Mk
- 2,043
- 4
I'm not planning on anything, I just am curious. The first one.Moonbear said:
Solar cells would cost more than I would gain, and windmills! I don't have enough land, I don't have enough money, and Greenpeace people would be knocking on my door how I'm hunting birds unfairly.cronxeh said:
Well, I'm not considering the water at all for that reason.Chi Meson said:
FAQ: Power saving with the water heater
How can I save power while using my water heater?
There are several ways to save power while using your water heater. First, you can lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will not only save energy, but also prevent scalding accidents. Second, consider insulating your water heater and the pipes connected to it to reduce heat loss. Finally, try to limit your hot water usage by taking shorter showers and only running the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
Can using a water heater timer save power?
Yes, using a water heater timer can save power. By programming the timer to turn off the water heater during periods of low usage, such as when you are sleeping or away from home, you can reduce energy consumption. However, make sure to set the timer to turn the water heater back on at least an hour before you typically need hot water to allow time for it to heat up.
Is it more energy efficient to leave my water heater on all the time or turn it off when not in use?
It is more energy efficient to turn your water heater off when not in use. Constantly keeping the water heater running, even when you are not using hot water, can waste energy. However, if you have a tankless water heater, it is more efficient to leave it on all the time since it only heats water on demand.
Can replacing my water heater with a more efficient model help save power?
Yes, replacing your water heater with a more efficient model can help save power. Look for water heaters with an Energy Star label, which indicates that the product meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tankless water heaters and solar water heaters are also more energy efficient options.
Are there any maintenance tasks I can perform to improve my water heater's power efficiency?
Yes, there are several maintenance tasks you can perform to improve your water heater's power efficiency. Regularly draining and flushing the tank can remove sediment buildup, which can decrease the efficiency of your water heater. Additionally, checking for and repairing any leaks in the tank or pipes can also help improve efficiency. It is also important to have your water heater professionally serviced every few years to ensure it is running at its best.