First, if you have an ‘energy inefficient’ model of an electric water heater, you definitely should think about getting this type of timer to save on utility bills.

Second, using less energy to heat up your home’s water supply is a way for you to do your share in helping save the environment.

Third, there are plenty of DIY electric water heater timer kits that you can assemble, or you can even purchase a ready-to-go model.

How Water Heater Timers Work

As the name implies, an electric water heater timer is a device which provides automatic control over electric water heating systems.

No matter which model or brand you choose today, their general functionalities and the way that they work are mostly the same. This type of timer can be programmed to turn a water heater on or off, based on the times set by the homeowner.

For example, you can set the timer during the hours in the morning that you usually take a shower for work. The time that it will be turned off is when you finally leave the house.

As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons why homeowners opt to install water heater timers in their homes is to save on electricity. This is done by reducing the energy used during the on/off cycling that a water heater without a timer normally does.

So who are the homeowners who will benefit from having an electric water heater timer?

If your water heating equipment is less than ten years old, you may not necessarily need this type of timer. On the other hand, newer models which come with a timer will be more eco-friendly because less heat is being lost to the atmosphere, and they will provide you with greater energy savings.

According to the Energy Program of the Washington State University, an electric water heater timer can save you up to 36 kilowatt-hours of power on a yearly basis.

DIY Installation of Electric Water Heater Timers

Now, take a look at the following steps if you wish to install a timer for your heater by yourself:

1. Turn off the breakers which supply power to the water heater.

2. Remove the timer from the casing and decide where you will mount the timer – it should be near the water heater.

3. Drill holes to secure the casing to the wall with the screws provided with the timer kit.

4. Using a tester, make sure that there is no power being supplied to the water heater. Then, remove the main power cable from the heater and make the wire go through the casing of the timer.

5. Run a new cable from the timer to the water heater and connect them.

6. After making sure that all wires are connected, set the timer and turn the power back on.

There are water heater timer kits which come complete with a circuit diagram and instructions which you should closely follow if you are installing the timer yourself.

Recommended Electric Water Heater Timers

If you’re looking to buy a timer online or in a retail store, try and find one of the following models:

Intermatic WH40
The Intermatic timer allows you to save up to 26% off of your utility bills. Also known as the “Little Grey Box”, this is an easy-to-use and install water heater timer which has a steel case and a convenient override switch.

You can set the timer in the mornings and evenings when you are at home to enjoy all the hot water that you need – without having to waste electricity.

GE 24-Hour Mechanical Time Switch, 48 Settings
The GET 24-hour mechanical time switch can also be used for spas, pools and fountains instead of simply your electric water heating system. It has a heavy-duty motor, a tamper-proof enclosure and a simple wiring diagram that you can follow for easy installation. It can also accommodate up to 48 on and off settings.

Whether you choose to install the electric water heater timer in a DIY fashion or if you prefer to buy one of the ready-made timers, what’s important is that you are getting the energy savings that this nifty little device provides – while enjoying all the hot water that you need at the same time.

Back from Timers to Electric Hot Water Heaters

Back from Electric Water Heater Timer to Hot-Water.com

Note that your water heating equipment is one of the fixtures in your home which needs regular maintenance and occasional repairs.

It’s actually the last part which homeowners dread – what if you need to pay a huge amount for a parts replacement, or maybe you need to replace the entire water heating unit?

Although such a scenario is possible, it is still recommended that you try checking whether the problem is a minor or a major one.

You might just save yourself a few hundred dollars if it ends up that the only problem with your water heating equipment is a valve that needs to be replaced.

Electric Water Heater Repair: The Basics

The first thing that you need to do when trying to repair your electric water heater is to self-diagnose the problem. Could it be that the connection was simply unplugged, and you need to plug it back?

Another obvious solution is to change a thermostat that cannot be reset. Or maybe you just need to remove some sediment left on the tank, by draining out some of the water until it runs clear.

If you or the handyman determine that the problem lies on the heating element itself, then may be quite costly to repair. It is a more viable solution to replace the entire water heating unit rather than having the heating element fixed.

Also, whether you have an electric or gas water heater, there are some maintenance steps that you need to do, including draining the heater at least twice a year to get rid of the sediment.

You should also test the relieve valve annually.

Testing the Equipment If There Is No Hot Water At All

After learning about the basics of electric water heater repair, let us now go into some specific scenarios.

What are you supposed to do if someone from the bathroom shouts “Who used up all the hot water?”

If nobody’s ‘guilty’, then there could be something wrong with the water heating equipment itself.

Here’s what you need to do if this is the case:

1. Check if electrical power is being supplied to the heater.
2. If you have a water heater timer, check if the ‘on’ switch is lit.
3. Check if the high temperature cutoff switch needs to be reset.
4. Check if the problem lies with the upper or lower heating elements failing.
5. Inspect if the water heater is leaking.

How to Troubleshoot a Thermostat

If the thermostat fails to work, then follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power source of the heater and warn family members to not turn it on.
2. Unscrew and remove the access panel of the water heater.
3. Test the thermostat using a multimeter.
4. If you find out that the problem lies with the thermostat during your tests, replace it by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

Testing & Replacing the Heating Element

Yet another problem that you may encounter is a need to test and replace the heating element. Here’s a quick list of the solutions for this:

1. Turn off the power source of the heater and warn family members to not turn it on.

2. Remove the access panel, disconnect one of the element wires and use a multimeter to test the heating element. If the tester displays anything but the open circuit symbol, it is the one which needs to be replaced. You can perform the same test with both the upper and lower heating elements.

3. Replace the damaged heating element with the same rating, model and shape following the owner’s manual instructions.

Again, remember that replacing the heating element may end up being more costly than upgrading your electric water heater to a newer model – so always make a comparison of the costs.

As you can see, there are a multitude of basic troubleshooting steps which can be done from your end if you have a problematic water heater at home.  By following these electric water heater repair tips, you can save yourself from the trouble and costs of hiring a professional to do the repairs for you.

Just keep in mind that if the issue seems to be more complicated than these scenarios, it is a much better option to seek the help of a professional.

Back from Repair to Electric Hot Water Heaters

Back from Electric Water Heater Repair to Hot-Water.com

So, there is no need for you to worry about space restrictions or costly multiple installations.  All you need to do is to mount Titan electric water heaters to enjoy an endless supply of hot water anytime you want.

Titan is a young company that creates exclusive tankless electric water heaters.   Today, Titan has integrated digital technology and space age electronics to its new releases of tankless electric water heaters. 

Suitability of Titan Electric Water Heaters

Whether you live in warmer or colder climates, the Titan tankless water heaters would be suitable for you.  Some years back, these water heaters are only ideal in regions where the flow of water is warmer. However, Titan upgraded its models and introduced the new N120 heaters that can work well in regions where the flow of water is colder.

You can effectively use the Titan water heater whether you have a small or big home.  A single unit can provide heated water for the whole house.  If you have a large multi-story residence, then you can use two units to effectively deliver hot water for the entire home.

A Titan electric water heater is also suitable for medical institutions, hotels, commercial buildings, and corporate offices.  The compact construction of the heater makes it an ideal heating appliance for establishments that want to save floor space.

Enjoy Big Savings from Titan Tankless Electric Water Heaters

You can enjoy big savings from electric hot water heaters.  First, a unit of Titan water heater is substantially cheaper than heaters with tanks.

For example, the retail price of the state of the art Titan N120 is only around $200 to $250.  On the other hand, a standard unit of conventional water heater with tank will set you back by more than $1,000.

The energy efficiency of a tankless water heater is far superior to conventional water heaters.  A Titan unit has 99.5 percent energy efficiency and can deliver 60 percent reduction in your energy bills.

Installation of a Titan unit is fast, easy, and inexpensive.  There is no need for you to pay for expensive installation service because the Titan water heater can be installed quickly by any competent installer.  The speed and ease of installation will reduce professional charges and fees.

Aside from the monetary savings that you can enjoy, a tankless water heater is also a big space saver.  For example, the Titan N120 model has a general dimension of 10-inches x 7-inches x 2.75-inches.  It is no bigger than a standard electric box and far smaller than a wall-mounted medicine cabinet.

So there is no need for you to allocate limited floor space which is the case if you have conventional water heaters.  A tankless water heater can fit in tight spaces and can be installed on walls near the water line.

Recommended Titan Electric Water Heater

Titan SCR2 N120 — The N120 model is the latest release from Titan and features state of the art digital technology.  The temperature control utilizes digital functions so you can tweak its settings with simple push of the button.  It can deliver hot water for a house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

This unit can deliver hot water on demand thus eliminating the need for storing and reheating.  The N120 water heater will heat water passing through its heating systems which gives you an endless supply of hot water for washing, showering, and for taking baths.

The N120 features a thermostat on the front panel to facilitate ease of use.  This unit has digital electronic systems that continuously monitor the temperature of water flowing in the pipe line.

It will set the heating levels automatically.  So when you open the shower or faucet, you will surely enjoy the desired temperature levels of the water.

Rheem is known for its various models of water heaters that include gas-powered heaters, solar heaters, and electric water heaters.

Among these models, the Rheem electric water heaters are preferred by most residential users and building contractors for ease of use and uncomplicated installation.  

Common Applications of Rheem Water Heaters

Versatility is one of the strongest attributes of Rheem’s water heaters.  No matter what your requirements are, Rheem will have a water heating unit that will certainly meet your needs.

Rheem can provide big water heaters with full capacity of up to 85 gallons for big homes, commercial establishments, and big offices or facilities.

There are also midrange 20 to 40 gallons electric water heaters which are suitable for family homes, small clinics, and city offices.  And if you need point-of-use water heaters, then you can have the 2.5 gallons portable electric water heaters of Rheem.

Because of the wide range of choices available for you, it is not really difficult to decide which type of water heater will satisfy your unique requirements.

The only thing left for you to do is to identify the features of the water heater you need.  By knowing the specific strengths of a Rheem electric water heater, you will be able to decide wisely which particular model will bring good value for you.

High Energy Efficiency and Superior Quality

Rheem has always been proud of its tradition for excellence and quality.  In its 90 years of existence, the electric water heaters of Rheem earned considerable acclaim in the industry for maintaining excellent quality and high energy efficiency.

Some of the best models of Rheem water heaters have corrosion resistant tanks.  For example, the Rheem/Rudd Marathon models have fiberglass construction which virtually eliminates rusting and degradation.  The best part is that you still get lifetime limited warranty on the tanks which shows the confidence of Rheem on the durability of its tank construction.

Most important of all, Rheem water heaters are certified energy efficient by Energy Star.  The company has partnered with this institution to ensure that its products can deliver high efficiency performance.

Today, the Rheem electric water heaters belong to the top 25 percent in terms of energy efficiency.  It is estimated that you can save as much as 40 percent on your utility bills if you use Rheem water heaters compared to using conventional standard efficiency electric water heaters.

Recommended Rheem Electric Water Heaters

1.  Rheem MR50245 Marathon — This electric water heater is a consistent favorite for residential and commercial use. It has received consistent high ratings from consumers for ease of installation, durability, and maximum efficiency.

The MR50245 Marathon can heat up to 50 gallons of water and maintain high temperature because of its Polyurethane Enviro-Foam insulation.  This unit has the highest energy efficiency factor (EF) designed to reduce energy consumption.

The polybutylene tank has several layers of fiberglass exterior which ensure superior strength and durability. The model has a thermally fused upper element which helps protect the heater from dry-firing.

The Rheem Marathon water heater is suitable for big homes and offices and can be installed easily by a competent contractor.

2.  Rheem 81VP2S — This water heater has the capacity to heat 2.5 gallons of water and would be suitable for smaller homes and offices.  The Rheem 81VP2S is a point-of-use indoor electric water heater with a very compact construction and can be installed anywhere.

It features a patented R-Foam insulation for excellent heat retention and an automatic thermostat so you can enjoy your desired water temperature anytime.  This water heater has a built-in wall bracket to facilitate hassle-free wall mounting and installation.

If you need a Rheem electric water heater, then the MR50245 Marathon and the Rheem 81VPS2 models are probably your best and safest options.