[SunshineStater]

I heard that turning off the water heater overnight can save up to 30% on electric charges. We do that and turn it on for a while later in the day. Supposedly it only takes 15 minutes to heat up prior to using hot water.

[tkrussell]

Anytime something can be shut off, esp something like a water heater that runs automatically, there is a savings.

A 7 day programmable 240 volt time clock can be inserted into the circuit to control a water heater.

This will allow the heater to be shut off when no one is home and/or at night. Have the timer come on about a half hour before you would usually get up.

A 7 day clock will allow you to program weekends different assuming there is someone home.

The water in the tank will cool down a bit, depending on the efficiency of the tank insulation, the tank will heat up in about a half hour, to be safe.

You can do this manualy by shutting of the circuit breaker, you just need to remember to turn it back on when needed.

[joypulv]

40 gallon tank, no more? What is the ambient temperature? There are times it makes sense, but not always. If you are in FL I would say that it would make sense. You could even experiment with turning it off after use in the morning to see how much you have in the evening.

I can run my boiler (oil, tankless hot water) for 2 minutes, take a 10 minute shower, turn off the boiler, and have enough for dishes or a laundry. That's in the summer, in the north.