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

[scruff-e-coyote.livejournal.com]

Is your residence or neighborhood not serviced by natural gas (NG)? What about contracting for liquid propane gas (LPG)? Is your community rural or your neighbors spread out where you can be serviced with LPG? As others here have mentioned, gas is a far cheaper source of energy for heating water (as well as for room heating and cooking). And as Calicougar mentioned, there are hot water solar heaters. Hot water solar heaters still require an electric or gas fired backup system for cloudy/cold days or night time if you happen to use up all of the hot water heated by the sun.

Regardless, those on-demand tankless water heaters are THE best way to save on water heating energy costs. I once read years ago: "Would you keep your car running in your garage just in case you wanted to drive it? Then why have a tank water heater storing water hot just in case you want to use it?" You mentioned considering one or two small on-demand water heaters. I'm assuming you mean the "compact point of use electric tankless water heaters" for under a sink or at your shower? If so, just be aware they usually can only provide warm water for washing hands at a sink, or for heating already warm water, or for low-flow sinks/showers. There are, however, 240 volt electric tankless water heaters available. Check them out in person or on-line at any major hardware or home appliance store!

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

Ah yep!... The house was built in the era of "All-Electric", so originally nothing was gassed.. but eventually mum did bring in a line... just for central heating though :p
The line is there to divert if we should wanna work it into the water heating eventually, but just haven't explored it... :9 .. *wingfuzzles yer fur*

[scruff-e-coyote.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, those "Clean, Efficient, All-Electric" houses of the 1960s. Is there one of those "All-Electric" medallions on your door bell button outside the front door?

That's great mother bird had a natural gas line brought up to the house for your house heater. It could also be plumbed up to an oven-stove and clothes dryer someday besides a tank or on-demand tankless water heater!

[c-eagle.livejournal.com]

hehheh! You knew about the medallions! :D
As far as I know, we didn't get one of 'em here, but another pal I know does have one at their place!