Tankless water heater info/automation

[treo650]

I am new to Tankless water heater.

We have a gas Tankless water heater for the new build, two actually.

I am reading posts here that users are setting timers for their heating pumps (tank heaters)

Question is: anyone know if an IDLE Tankless water heater is using any electricity? Or pumping out wattage?

I am trying to see if I can benefit from adding a timer on the Tankless heaters... Anything to cut down the electric bill will help

 

[jpmargis]

Your gas tankless water heater uses a miniscule amount of electricity when it is idle and only a tiny bit more when it is operating, Identify the model and I can tell you exactly how much.

 

[tmbrown97]

Also for tankless systems, it's generally good not to screw with their power - many use little amounts of power to keep warm which helps prevent moisture buildup and corrosion - I've heard some of the better ones even have a small battery backup to help in case the power goes out - so they don't malfunction.

 

[apostolakisl]

It depends on the model. Some tankless hot water heaters don't use any electricity at all, none use very much. Models with a pilot light generally have no electrical hook up at all. I am not sure if any of these are still being sold. I own one that is about 10 years old and it works fine, but I suppose you might complain about the wasted gas for the pilot light.

To the best of my knowledge, all of the current models use electronic ignition. This is either via 120v plug in or some use a small "turbine" that generates the spark using electricity generated from the flow that occurs when you turn it on.

Also, models that are designated for unconditioned spaces will have electric heating elements that flip on when the temp drops below freezing.

Also, some models will have a blower fan to move the air through the combustion chamber and out the exhaust.

Regardless. . . if you have a model that is supposed to be plugged into electricity, you would not want to turn that power off.

 

[treo650]

@jpmargis hey there BUDDY! How are you?

Re: the model, in away from the new build for a week or so due to refinishing the wood floors, so I will get model numbers shortly.

Ive done some googling, and reports are saying tankless water heaters idle at 5watts.. That sounds awesome, and less for the electric bill

 

[N49atv]

The spark is generally created from a small DC coil. Convert the AC to DC (120-12V), and then it charges up a coil, cuts the power to the coil, and the collapsing magnetic field creates a voltage in the 10-15000V area for spark. Its how most igniters work, and hence why they only fire for a short period every few seconds if flame fail is detected.

The only thing I think you could automate is an away status, where it doesnt heat at all during the day (then again its not using much gas/elec idle anyway), or a recirculation loop, if you have one, and have it kick in 2 mins before your alarm, so you have hot water instantly in your shower (no cold water bleed off)