When it comes to energy consumption in your home, the water heater is one of the appliances you need to consider. The reason is that the more hot water it delivers, the higher the energy consume. In the long run, it racks up your electricity bills.
Today, the constant changes in technology have made everything better. Most homeowners make use of a timer device to regulate their water heater. However, some still fail to use a water heater timer because they think it is expensive.
Many keep asking questions like, will water heater timer save your money? Does installing a water timer make the use of your water heater easier? We will answer this question in this article. Hence, read on to find out.
First, What Are Water Heater Timers?
Water heater timers are tiny devices (electronic) that are inserted into a water heater. You can install it onto a tankless gas water heater or an electric tankless water heater. As the name implies, this device has timer setting that allows it to turn the hot water on or off automatically.
What Are The Different Types Of Water Heater Timers?
There are many different types of water heater timers. Some come as Apps on smartphones, while others come in switches and remote controls. A building has a lot to say about the means of control, but they are all easy to operate nevertheless.
Below are some commonly used water heater timers.
1. Switch Timers
Although a switch might look simple and easy to operate, it is one of the best ways of regulating the water heater. However, using a switch as a timer will need a high level of practice. This method helps to bring down energy costs to the minimum.
2. Countdown Timers
The countdown timer comes with a clock that allows it to turn itself off after a scheduled time automatically. These timers are more sophisticated than the switch, but you will still have to operate them manually.
3. Programmable Timers
The programmable timer is the best for home use. You can create many different presets to control the water heater. This method allows you to program it to run during weekends when you and your family or friends are at home. You can also set the water heater to be off when you’re out of town or on holiday with friends.
4. Box Timers
This is one of the most commonly used types in homes. The box timer has different usage time setting. For instance, they allow you to pick the months, weeks, days, or hours you need hot water.
These timers are great for homeowners who have many works to carry out during the day. The box water heater timer allows you to choose when you need a hot water bath.
5. WiFi and Z-Wave Timers
It will be a good idea for every modern home to make use of advanced technologies, which includes a WiFi and Z-Wave water heater timer. These devices are one of the high-tech timers that are available today.
With this timer, you turn off your water heater with just a press of a button on your smartphone. Although these timers are expensive, they give you 24/7 access to the water heater.
6. Timers for Gas Water Heaters
Some timers are explicitly made for certain water heaters. Nevertheless, most water heaters depend on gas or electricity to function. Some timers for gas water heaters are the Z-wave and WiFi timers.
Are Water Heater Timers Beneficial?
One will be correct to say that the water heater timer comes with many benefits. To start with, it reduces the energy used, thereby saving you more money. Instead of keeping the water heater running throughout the day, a water heater timer helps regulate the running operation.
The device allows you to schedule the on and off time, thus making the water heater to run only when needed. That way, electricity bills and water bills will cut down since you are using less power and water.
How Much Does A Water Heater Timer Save?
To determine how much money your water heater can help you save, you will need to consider some important things. For instance, you have to consider your hot water consumption, fuel type, cost of operation, etc.
Will water heater timer save your money? Well, most homeowners keep asking this question. According to research, these devices reduce close to 30% of your annual water heating cost.
You will find the water heater timer to be a money-saving device. Most homeowners who use timers on tankless water heaters have reported that they now spend less on water heating.
However, before installing a water heater timer, it will be best to consult a professional plumbing company. If you want to carry out a DIY attempt, you can follow the guide below.
How to Install the Timer to a Water Heater
There are many timers, and they are all installed differently. If you have a WiFi and Z-Wave timer, all you need to do is get it installed in your home and on your smartphone.
Other water heater timers might take a few minutes to install as they involve putting wires in between walls. However, no timer takes too long to be properly installed. A professional plumber can get your timer running in less than ten minutes.
Also, buying the right timer will help you reduce stress. Timers are installed on walls close to the water heater.
How to Enjoy Your Timer and Water Timer to the Fullest
Here are great tips that will help you get the best out of the timers:
- Set the timer to turn on your water heater when you need it.
- Ensure you flush your water heater after every 26 weeks to wash out dirt, sediment, and other debris.
- It is advisable to insulate your water heater (both electric and gas types).
How to Reduce the Use of Water Heater
Having known that we can save money by installing a timer, let’s look at the ways we can reduce water heater usage. There is a wide range of ways one can reduce the use of water heater. Below, you will see the best steps to take in getting the job done.
a). Cut Down Hot Water Usage
Reducing the amount of hot water you use will help minimize water heater usage. Instead of taking showers for ten minutes, cut it down by three or four minutes. Also, when you need to carry out tasks that need water, use cold water instead of hot water.
b). Add a Layer of Insulation
Adding insulation layer is another smart way of reducing energy usage. This simple technique will cut down the total energy needed to operate a heater. A layer of insulation will help keep your water hot and save you money in the process.
c). Maintain the Water Heater
When it comes to home appliances, the way you maintain them matters a lot. Keeping the water heater clean and in good shape will help you enjoy it. If you cannot do it yourself, call a service company to inspect the water heater from time to time.
Final Word
Water isn’t cheap, having hot water is even more costly, and prices keep going up. Saving both energy and water makes both environmental and economic sense. The required changes to a home or commercial buildings to reduce the cost of heating water are not expensive.
Will water heater timer save your money? Yes, the reason is that there are times you do not need hot water, thus the timer can switch off the heater when you don’t need it.
Do you have more questions about water heater timers? If you do, feel free to reach out to us.
