My mom needs to get a timer for her hot water heater. ?

Question

what are the best options?

Answer 1

I totally agree with Mean Green..I have been in construction all of my life and have NEVER seen a timer on a hot water heater..why?? You will burn more energy reheating the water..the hot water heater does not kick on without the water being used but once every 10 or 12 hours or more and only for maybe 5 minutes.. using a timer when the temperature drops this way..it will take 45 minutes to reheat it...That means that just the hot wter heater cutting on once with a timer will burn 9 times as much electricity than leaving it on will...

Answer 2

I would like to know why she needs a timer.  Unless she is on an off peak billing rate with the power company it doesn't matter when she runs it.  Also reheating the water may take more energy than keeping it hot.

Answer 3

240 volt? In most cases a double pole Intermatic will do just fine! Check the breaker size for the water heater to make sure you get a timer with contacts that will handle the ampere draw. ;-)=

Answer 4

My water heater has a vacation setting that I use when I go out of town.  But other than that, I leave it on.  Does she want to turn it off at night?  How many gallons?

Answer 5

Intermatic, $40 at HD. Designed just for that.