We live in the era of energy efficiency. Everyone wants to know how to cut down on their carbon footprint and save money, and a good way to do that is with a water heater timer.
Water heaters are the second-highest consumer of electricity in the home after heating and cooling. According to Magnificent Plumbing, a water heater can account for 12% of the total utility costs.
Instead of replacing your water heater with a higher efficiency model, which will cost thousands, the simple addition of a water heater timer might just be the cost-saving change that you’re looking for.
What Is a Water Heater Timer?
First, let’s understand the operation of a water heater. A typical water heater will have a reserve tank of water continuously being heated and maintained to keep the temperature warm enough to be used when you need hot water in the household.
The water heater will go through on/off cycles to keep the water warm, but not run continuously. The problem is that the unit will still cycle when you’re asleep or at work for the day, unnecessarily heating the water.
A water heater timer can control the on/off cycle so that it only runs when hot water is needed. For example, hot water is used first thing in the morning before your shower. The unit can then be turned off while you’re at work and be set to turn on again once you get home at night.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | GE Heavy-Duty Mechanical Box Timer Switch, Metal, Tamper Resistant, Voltage, 120, 240, 277, NEMA 3R-Rated, Indoor, Ideal for Pool Pumps, Water Heaters, Outdoor Lights, 46536, 24-Hour Universal VAC | PrimeEligible | Buy Now on Amazon | |
 Top Top | Intermatic WH40 Electric Water Heater Timer, Gray, 7.75 x 5 x 3 inches | Prime | Buy Now on Amazon |
There are also various type of timer, such as countdown timers. While you mightn’t care too much about the type of timer, it could make a significant difference long term. Naturally, much of this could come down to your hot water consumption habits, alongside your overall hot water demand.
GE 24-Hour Water Heater Timer Switch
- Heavy-Duty Mechanical Timer – The rain and rust-proof metal constructions is designed to withstand any weather forecast and is lockable, tamper resistant and NEMA 3R-Rated
- Universal Voltage – Auto-sensing 120 VAC, 240 VAC and 277 VAX compatibility adapts to required power to support a variety of equipment
- 24-Hour Cycle – The 30-minute interval pushpins accommodate several daily settings, allowing you to personalize multiple daily settings
- Variety and Convenience – This timer is compatible with single-pole single-throw and double-pole single-throw switches, block terminals hold wires securely and has ½” and ¾” knockouts for easy wiring
- Ideal Use – Perfect for pool pumps, water heaters, outdoor lights, fans, AC units and other heavy-duty appliances; this indoor/outdoor box timer is cUL Listed and recommended for certified electrician installat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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General Electric has a long-standing history of reliable products, and their 24-hour water heater timer switch is no different.
Some water heaters are not as efficient as they should be and lose a fair bit of heat in their off-cycle, causing the On cycle to start more frequently, and in turn costing the homeowner more money.
Not with GE!
GE’s timer is ideal for water heaters. You can also apply it to pumps, fans, air conditioning, heating, lighting, blowers, ventilation systems, and other heavy-duty applications. This model is rated for 240VAC, so you can use it in residential and commercial applications.
It has a heavy-duty, rust-proof metal and rain-tight design, but it is intended for indoor use. GE has included this model with a manual override switch for an added safety precaution. The metal box timer is also lockable and tamper-resistant to ensure no one can accidentally change the schedule, and the wires are safely secured.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: GE
- Part Number: 15328
- Item Weight: 3.05 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 6 x 8.25 inches
- Item model number: 15328
- Size: 240 VAC
- Color: Gray
- Style: Indoor
- Material: Metal
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Switch Style: Metal
- Included Components: Box timer
- Batteries Required?: No
Pros
- Energy usage and energy costs are quite low as its energy efficient
- Should help you save on your monthly utility bills
- Made with durable materials
- Tamper-resistant
- Programmable timer
- Helps with your water heating costs
- One of the more efficient water heaters
Cons
- Installation must be done by a technician
- Not intended for outdoor use
Intermatic WH40 Water Heater Timer
- Easy to use
- Convenient external override switch
- 10,000 watts, 40 amps, 250 volts, 60Hz capacity
- Steel case for durability
- Trippers can be set in the morning and evening when you need and use hot water
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Intermatic Hot Water Heater Timer is a 24-hour dial, capable of permitting up to 12 on/off cycles per day. A note from the manufacturer states that the Intermatic electric hot water heater timer provides up to 26% savings for an electric water heater.
The Intermatic timer has a durable steel casing and an easy-to-use rotary actuator to set the heater for when you need it most. That could help make it one of the better models on the market.
This timer should be used to operate one hour in the morning and two hours in the evening to get the maximum savings possible. Set the “On” switch one hour before the usage period for the best results. As such, it’s one of the more recommended products on offer, regardless of whether or not they’re box timers.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Intermatic
- Part Number: WH40
- Item Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Product Dimensions : 5 x 3 x 4.25 inches
- Size: 7.75 x 5 x 3 inches
- Color: Gray
- Style: 208-277V 10,000 Watts
- Material: Metal
- Shape: Rectangular
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Wattage: 10000 watts
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Number Of Pieces: 1
- Switch Style: DPST
- Included Components: WH40
- Batteries Required?: No
- Warranty Description: Full warranty
Pros
- Easy to use and keeps water hot
- Can be manually set for appropriate usage times
- Simple manual override
- Durable steel case
- Can work with various types of water
- Helps monitor water heater usage and keeps water bills down
- Uses and efficient method to keep energy consumption quite low
- Few wires needed for the product
- Essentially water ready from the box
- Should be effective enough for anybody’s hot water usage
Cons
- Only intended for electric water heaters
- Installation must be done by a technician
About the Companies
General Electric
General Electric is in a league of its own. The company has over 150 years of innovation, from the incandescent lamp’s invention to new 3D-printed jet engine parts. General Electric has truly changed the world that we live in.
Intermatic
Another long-standing company, Intermatic was founded in 1891. They have withstood the test of time and have consistently supplied their customers with reliable products across many control industry divisions. That makes it a company with a long-standing reputation in the industry.
FAQs About Water Heater Timers
Q: Can I Install A Timer for My Water Heater Myself?
A: Your water heater timer should be installed by a professional for safety reasons and warranty purposes. But if you are qualified, you can install it yourself.
Q: How Much Money Will I Save With a Timer for My Water Heater?
A: Having a water heater timer switch controls the water heater so that it won’t turn on when you don’t need it, saving you some change.
Your savings will depend on your water heater’s standard running cost, the type of water heater and fuel, and how much hot water you’re consuming. Water heater timers have been shown to save up to 25% or more.
Q: Are There Any Other Ways to Save Money Besides Installing a Water Heater Timer?
A: There are. You could take shorter showers, lower the water heater thermostat, replace your water heater, or move your outdoor water heater indoors.
Conclusion
Reducing our carbon footprint is more important now than it has ever been, and saving money is an undeniable focus for everyone.
Cutting down on electricity and water use in your home is a way to assist with both of those issues, and installing a water heater timer is a great place to start.
Be sure to check out some of our other product reviews and water heater buying guide.
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