Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps. Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).
Al’s also provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home. Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. Al’s is near your home in Plano, Allen, and Frisco. We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no travel charges.
Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing. We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.
Electric Water Heater Timer — How Much $ Will It Save?
A water heater timer may save a little money. Today’s electric water heaters (built after 1997) run only about 3 hours each day, and energy-efficient water heaters run only 1.3 hours. The only way a water heater timer will save money is if it prevents the water heater from reheating water during standby periods (no hot water being used).
Cost To Run An Electric Water Heater:
- 5500 Watts x 3 hours = 16,500 watts or 16.5 KwH per day. At 6.9 cents per KwH * = $1.15 per Day.
- 1 month is (30 days x 16.5KwH) = 495 KwH. At 6.9 cents per KwH * = $34.15 per Month
* TXU’s lowest priced plan at the time this article was written.
Standby Heat Loss
Standby Heat Loss (heat lost while water heat is idle) is low for electric water heaters built after 1997. With a timer you will still have standby losses during the time the water heater is turned off. If your water heater is in the garage, standby losses are minimal during summer months, though higher during the coldest months of winter.
Minimize Standby Heat Loss & Save On Water Heating Costs With A Water Heater Blanket
A less expensive solution to reducing standby heat loss is a Water Heater Blanket.
Water Heater Jackets Have Different Insulating Values
Water Heater Jackets provide different levels of insulating ability. Opt for the one with the highest amount of insulation / R-Value if your water heater is in the garage or attic. If the water heater is inside the living space, a water heater jacket provides little benefit.
The Foil-Face on water heater blankets provides a Radiant-Heat Barrier. A Radiant-Heat Barrier reduces heat radiating out of the water heater. It’s worth the money if your water heater is in the garage or attic. If the water heater is inside the living space, the foil provides little benefit.
The Best Way To Lower Water Heating Costs
Lower The Thermostat To 120 Degrees
Most water heaters come preset at 140 degrees, which reduces the risk of scalding. For every 10 degrees lower, you can save 3-5% on your bill. The U.S. DOE (Department of Energy) recommends most households lower their water heater to 120 degrees. If you have a large family which all bath at the same time of day, a higher setting my be required.
SUMMARY: This article advises that a Water Heater Timer for an electric water heater has little ability to save money because today’s typical electric water heaters run only 3 hours each day, and Hi-Efficiency water heaters run about 1.5 hours per day.
The article gives two suggestions which will have a notable impact of water heating costs (electric or gas water heater).
- Add a Water Heater Blanket
- Lower Thermostat To 120 Degrees
Both of these task require little time and minimal cost for a water heater blanket. These two recommendations are also endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps. Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).
Al’s also provides full service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home. Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters. Al’s is near your home in Richardson, Plano & Garland. We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no travel charges.
Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing. We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.