Would anyone know if they make a programmable switch to turn on and off a hot water tank. 240Volts and 4500 watts of max power. I live in an area with smart meters and would like it to turn off just before peak rate and turn on once the lower rate kicks in. Preferrably 7 day. I don't need it to switch on temperature, I want it to switch at certain times.
Appreciate your help.
Just do a search for water heater timer...there's a bunch of them. They will avg about $50 usd....will you really be able to recover the cost of the timer and install hardware?
Peak rates are normally during the day, yes? A WH that fills and warms up before peak time, will probably never turn on for 10-12 hrs anyway unless it is used. And minimal usage (washing hands, etc) that do cause it to turn on, it will only be on for a few minutes....probably $.10 worth of electricity or less.
Intermatic model EH40 is a digital/electronic version and model WH40 is a mechanical version. The digital one is a couple bucks more than the mechanical, but they're both around $50.
If you get a timer, be sure it can remember the settings when the power goes out. It is not something you remember to check daily and when the times are wrong you can pay double. Speaking from experience ARGHH!
Bud
I have the Intermatic EH40 which is digital, 7 day or each day, and has battery backup. Quite happy with it. I heat the water from 5 am to 5:55 am, then off until 5 am the next day.
So I have hot water for a shower, then warm water the rest of the day after that. Using warm water instead of hot saves $$. (As well as running only during off-peak.)
Also this timer has a button on the cover. You can turn on the water heater at any time. Like in the summer I might need two showers in one day. I just push the button for more hot water, then wait a bit. Or for Thanksgiving and lots of dishes, press that button!
Here is one...
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-EH4.../dp/B000NCYPOM
Tags: programmable, water, tank, before peak, turn water, warm water, water heater
