I haven't been running the electric (resistance) water heater for a few years, running the oil boiler instead. My boiler water tank is large and well insulated, and I figured the boiler needed 'exercise' over the warmer months, but maybe that's not true.
The price of oil, and more importantly the recent talk of the ZEN78, lol, has me thinking of firing up the electric water heater, via said ZEN78.
For those who have electric water heaters on a 'program', can you give me any tips?
Thanks.
VF
Two reasons to smart up your water heater - cut down on run time (thus cost) or time-of-use optimization (running it when rates are low, or avoiding periods when rates are high).
How are your tanks plumbed? Is one in series with the next?
No, not in series.
No time of use rates.
Just me, small water heater, use mostly in the evenings.
As a side note, it was 12F here this morning, so the boiler still runs, lol.
You might want to check this thread:
You situation is a bit different. You might want to just have the hot water heater turn on when the furnace is not in use, and turn off when the furnace is in use. Like maybe based on outside temperature. Outside temp going above or below the thermostat heat setpoint could be a trigger to switch over to the electric hot water.
I think that'd be too complex for me.
My boiler tank also serves as a buffer tank for a pellet boiler, which I don't use, lol. It's 120 gallons and highly insulated, so it can stay warm enough for dhw purposes for a couple days.
I'd probably shut the boiler down for the season-which dates, I haven't thought about. I currently mostly use the oil boiler to take the chill off in the morning and heat, mostly, with wood.
I'd have to change valve lineup, I believe.
Maybe April through September?
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