Water Heater test

[ceagle]

Currently trying a test for the month to find out the electric costs. Have turned off the electric water heater for the month to do so, (& taking my bird baths elsewhere to do so, not to worry) ;> ... Anyways, with the water heater on (last month) I was seeing about 16 kwh, and with it off so far it's about 5 kwh ... so that thing takes about 1/4 to 1/3 of the monthly power. The refrigerator likely takes most of the rest, since the lights are all CFLs.

So... what to do? I guess consider one or two of those on-demand small water heaters someday I s'pose. And a smaller fridge :>

Comments

[tacet.livejournal.com]

China has a system where you have to request hot water and wait a half hour, then click the heater off. That likely grows bacteria in your tap.
Outside of bacteria, I see why, but I sleep with a CPAP. I NEED electricity at night, and some parts of China they cut off your electricity after a certain hour.
Doesn't matter, it's night, it goes off.
I guess there are CPAP battery packs for camping....

My roommate keeps a lower water heater temp where it will grow a bacteria, but one that poses no threat to human health. All the nasty bugs that would make you sick are killed.

We are gas for heat and water temp.

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

oh yes!... thanks for the reminder that contaminants can sometimes be a consideration too.. that's wild about China! ;P

[tacet.livejournal.com]

I think while there is the "do you keep the car running all night in case you need it?" Argument. But I care more about keeping the water hot enough that it can't grow bacterium that will make me sick.

There may be more efficient heaters, or you can check the insulating blanket/cover to make sure it stays warm and reduce the power to heat it,

I guess you could boil drinking water first....

I turn off electronics not in use, and I can be a nazi with the lights (I actually have photophobia, a nerve sensitivity to light and it will cause a migrane). But if I want to watch something at 3am and I pay the electic bill I outta be allowed to!