Elk M1 and Water Heater

[Rupp]

Neal,
That's a bargain. I only have a hot water heater and my last months gas charge was $46. Gas has gotten so expensive here that everyone is switching out their gas hot water heaters for electric. It's funny how a few years change things. Gas used to be so cheap but not anymore.

 

[mishab]

Hi. I did not expect such interest in my question!!! Thank you for your replies.
My water heater is not electric. Its gas based water heater. There is a nob that i turn that indicates the water temperature:
it ranges from hot to normal to vacation. vacation means pilot light is on all the time.

 

[rogerous]

Maybe a note of caution if you are automating a water heater. Certain dangerous bacteria may put your household at risk.

The temperature inside the water heater should probably be taken into account to make sure it doesn't go below 60C (140F) as mentionned in the following article.

I guess one could still save some energy with a timed schedule but in the case that the temperature gets dangerously low then this could overide the timed schedule long enough to bring back the temperature to a safe level.

 

[gcimmino]

Ok, so assuming we're not worried about low temp bacteria .. (Spanky is cutting off power all together to his electric heater and in the US there are many recommendations to not have the temp above 120F/49C to prevent scalding with kids in the household.)

I have this with electronic controls, no pilot, but a "hot surface ignitor". Assuming it holds the desired temperature setting when power is removed, then it seems as though I should be able to cycle power for vacation mode savings. Since it's 120V, it's even easier.

I'd like to hear others' thoughts.

 

[DavidL]

Sounds like the problem will be interfacing with the gas heater. Probably "impossible" without kludgy means that might be unreliable, dangerous. Keep in mind your max temp is an issue too for safety.
If there isn't a positive, electronic means to regulate the temp, then forget it.

 

[upstatemike]

I have this with electronic controls, no pilot, but a "hot surface ignitor". Assuming it holds the desired temperature setting when power is removed, then it seems as though I should be able to cycle power for vacation mode savings. Since it's 120V, it's even easier.

I'd like to hear others' thoughts.

Why do you need a power vented model? I thought those were only for special situations where normal venting was not drawing properly.

 

[gcimmino]

Why do you need a power vented model? I thought those were only for special situations where normal venting was not drawing properly.

Well, the install is in a 2 story commercial building. Heater is in a first floor equip room and there were limits on the path the venting could go. Had something to do with the height and exterior stairs on the same side of the building.

In restrospect, I too would have probably asked the contractor for an electric unit in this application had I known all the issues up front!

 

[gcimmino]

Spoke to the facotry, looks like the electronics will not hold the desired temp. setting during long periods of power off.

They say that it is fine to power the unit off, but without holding the temp setting, not much purpose...

 

[mishab]

I just called my local gas / electic company. I am in SF and PGE is the provider.
Gas is less then $20 per month to operate (annual $231)
Electricity is about $35 (annual $410)

I wonder how much it costs to keep the water heater on 24x7 and have a use pattern similar to this one:
M-F AM: 6-8 PM: 8-10
S-Su :All Day.
I will turn down the heater during night and work hours and then resume when the system is disarmed. This sounds sexy, but i am not sure i will safe any money. It does not seem cost effective at this point.
However, I think if i can create a rule that says that if my wife disarms the alarm then heat the water asap as i know she will be jumping in the shower first. If I disarm the system then let it run cold for hours - i got other things to worry about. This however bring the next question, what if we get home together. Should I ask her to enter the code or me? Hm. I bet she will suspect something is up similar to asking her to touch a firearm for finger prints.

Anyway, I am letting this idea slide for now. Gas heater until we have a gas crisis.