Using a water heater timer could be the answer to your prayers. If you have been experiencing a surge in your electricity bills, start considering getting a water heater timer now. Water heaters are the highest energy-consuming devices found in your home. You could be spending up to $400 per year in electricity costs just because of water heaters!

A standard water heater generally keeps gallons of water heated 24 hours a day, not considering if hot water is actually being used or not. When you're out of the house, your water heater keeps on heating water, continues to do so until you get home to use it, and then heats again to prepare for your next use. This is why you get high utility bills. In order for you to save money, start considering setting up a water heater timer.

What is a Water Heater Timer?

A water heater timer is a device attached to your water heater that allows you to control when you want to turn on/off your water heater at different times of the day.

How does this contribute in saving energy?

Usually, hot water is only used for about two hours in the morning and two hours at night. This hot water can be used for showers, laundry, and doing the dishes. Instead of heating water over and over again during the course of the day, you can actually control when and how often your water heater functions. By doing so, you can save up to 12% of energy.

How does a water heater timer work?

Water heater timers come with manual buttons that allow you to set your water heater on/off anytime during the day. Some water heater timers even offer up to 24 on/off settings for each day so you can tweak and polish your water heating schedule.

If your schedule varies with each day, you can opt for more highly developed water heater timers that come with a programmable function. A digital water heater timer provides seven-day programming that allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week. Basically, you are in charge of setting the schedules according to your time of use. This is especially suited for those with flexible schedules who have no routine time in needing hot water.

If your schedule only varies during weekends and weekdays, you can get less expensive timers that offer weekday and weekend schedule.

In case of a power outage, you do not have to worry about resetting your programmed schedule over and over again. All digital timers have a built-in backup in the form of battery or integral that saves your schedule. Water heater timers, being electronics with no moving parts, are also very easy to maintain.

How can I further lessen my utility bills?

Most utility companies offer a demand management program, where different rates are applied depending on the demand for electricity. During on peak hours (times when demand is high), higher rates are charged. On the other hand, lower rates are charged during off peak hours (when demand is low). If you can set your water heater timer to operate during off peak hours, you can further cut back on electricity costs.

Overall, if you want to cut back on your utility costs, consider buying a water heater timer. It is relatively cheap, cost-efficient, and very easy to use. Most water heater timers pay for itself during the first two to three months of its use. This shows how efficient water heater timers are in reducing electricity costs.