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Old 08-22-2011, 03:13 AM   #1
Ozz
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Another water heater mod: Timer control install

When we were paying for electricity, I wired a timer for the water heater. It worked Ok, as long as your daily schedule is about the same. When we needed hot water in 'off' times, I just flipped the timer over-ride. I kicked in the Propane as well for a fast recovery.



Slide show:
http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n194/JimsSue13/Ozzsmods101/Electrical%20pics/Water%20heater%20timer%20and%20control%20switch/

Heater on, but flash was too bright:


Heater on:



 
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Old 08-22-2011, 05:32 AM   #2
grampachet
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And the ideas keep coming. Great idea Ozz.
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Old 08-24-2011, 04:49 AM   #3
sreigle
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Question, Jim, and I really have no idea the answer. Maybe as an hvac guy you could offer insight.

When in colder weather where the water in the tank will cool more quickly and to a lower temperature, do you really save $$ with this method? In other words, does it cost as much or more to reheat it with electricity and propane than it would have to just let the thermostat keep it within the spec temperatures? This is not a slam, this is a legit question since I have no clue but would like to know. I'm talking about when living in the rig, not when it's stored or you're gone for a day or more.

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Old 08-24-2011, 04:56 AM   #4
Ozz
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I would guess that it still saves money, but I am just a simple fix-it-man, to really know, you would have to go 'Mythbusters' establish a base-line for the project and go from there.
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Old 08-24-2011, 01:55 PM   #5
sreigle
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Nahhh, that sounds like more work than my interest level would support. But I thank you for the reply, Jim. The timer is an interesting idea. I could see it especially for turning it off at night. Hope you're still enjoying your adventure.
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Old 08-25-2011, 06:03 AM   #6
Waynem
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Jim,

Just how heavy is your 5er with all those mods?
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Old 08-25-2011, 09:20 AM   #7
Ozz
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Waynem

Jim,

Just how heavy is your 5er with all those mods?
He ain't heavy, he's my Monte!
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Old 08-26-2011, 09:14 AM   #8
abonzer
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Normally when camping a couple of days the RV park charges a flat fee that includes electricity. So no extra cost for heating the water with electricity. I suppose the cost of having someone read the meter isn't worth the cost of labor.
Well those days may be ending. I just left an RV park that surprised me when I checked out. The park uses the new "Smart Meters". Upon check out the park office called up the usage from my spot and charged me for the usage. The charge was 43 cents per kilowatt hour.
I suppose this makes Ozz's mod more valuable.
I'm not so sure who is smarter, the meter or me?
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Old 08-26-2011, 10:21 AM   #9
Tithy242
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by abonzer

... I just left an RV park that surprised me when I checked out. The park uses the new "Smart Meters". Upon check out the park office called up the usage from my spot and charged me for the usage. The charge was 43 cents per kilowatt hour...
Interesting comment about the extra charge for a short stay. The park I just left included 280kwh in the weekly rate. I said, "That's just a number to me, how far will 280kwh go?" He basically said this is very generous and can't recall anyone going over. I must have stayed under the included limit but I've often wondered how much I am using. I'll read the meter myself next time if possible. Seems like they should have showed you the starting number up front.
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