Water Heater Timer?

[Grisu]

I looked a bit into it and maybe I am not that far off with my explanation if the OPs water heater is a 2-element model: http://nstar.apogee.net/res/rewhers.asp I doubt it explains a full 46 kWh difference, on the other hand who knows if that is solely the hot water or just the TV left on a bit longer. Given the low electric usage I would look at other places, like offsetting the remaining demand with a PV system or saving on gas for the car(s). Or being really progressive in my lifestyle: http://www.solarcookers.org/

 

[NRGarrott]

One thing to consider when recommending against water heater timers is the location of the water heater. My uncle has his in an outdoor, uninsulated shed. He dropped his electricity bill $50 a month by using a timer. His probably had to heat far more often than one in a conditioned space.

 

[Mr A]

One thing to consider when recommending against water heater timers is the location of the water heater. My uncle has his in an outdoor, uninsulated shed. He dropped his electricity bill $50 a month by using a timer. His probably had to heat far more often than one in a conditioned space.

Mine is in the garage, insulated on 3 sides, but the big garage door is not. Still, just an hour on is enough to get hot showers for two days, and still the bill is higher. We have a municipal public utility. Still, I doubt my meter. They have a large pension and benefit package to fund.

 

[BoilerMan]

Resistance electric hot water heaters (and all other resistance type heaters) are basically 100% efficient, with generally neglegable line loss, so we can say 100% for sake of argument. The only difference in electric water heaters is the amount of insulation they have and the heat trapping ability (this is their ability to keep heat in the tank and not heat up the pipes above them). Since electric water heaters have no flue their standby losses are low. Have you checked into your rate of use times and costs? Is electricity cheaper at night or during the day? You may be turning on the heater during a higher rate, therefore upping your bill. Also if you have hard water the elements can become coated and lower the 100% efficiency somewhat. I have no idea what the water in CA is like, but we in the NE have lots of minerals that coat the elements.

Take is from an Electrician timers only help for time of use rates......

TS