How bad is it really-- to turn your hot water heater off at the breaker box?

Question

How bad is it really-- to turn your hot water heater off at the breaker box?

Answer 1

For like going away on vacation or a short time of not needing it is ok to turn off at the breaker. But if the reason is trying to conserve energy I wouldn't advise it for two reasons.

One reason is it is going to require a lot more energy to bring the water temp up after cooling down and two would be doing this over and over is going to cause a lot more oxidation on the heating elements which will eventually hasten the process of shorting the elements out.

There is a setting on the heater for vacation, this would be a better option rather than the breaker.

Answer 2

No problem at all.

Just flip the breaker.

As long as you don't make a habit of it,

it won't hurt anything.

Answer 3

Most circuit breakers are not designed and rated to be used as a switching device.  They do make breakers rated for switching but that would not be cost efficient.  The best way would be to install a service switch at the heater (there really should be one there anyways)

That being said.......

If it is not done frequently, probably not an issue

Answer 4

I don't recommend doing this. The power needed to bring the water back up to temperature will off set any savings by turning it off. You can get an insulating blanket and wrap the water heater plus, if you can tolerate a drop in water temperature turning down the water temperature even a little will help save you money! Good luck :)

Answer 5

just like flipping a light switch..........tom

Answer 6

None....You are just turning the power off to something that does not have a manual switch like a light. Flipping a switch