Just starting out, I want to control my water heater. I see a few of these on ebay. Good or?
Be cautious of turning off the water heater for extended periods of time. Your water heater is a breeding ground for legionella and legionnaires disease if not maintained at the proper temperature.
I actually ran a test on ours. I tested on a couple 2 week vacations. One with the water heater on and one with it off. I didn't see a significant difference in energy usage. I also live in Florida so that helps too.
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Thanks, I live in the North East and it gets cold.
I used to live in Northern Michigan so am familiar with the sub zero temperatures. Not something I miss.
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I agree that turning an electric water heater on/off isn’t worth the risk and probably doesn’t save much in the end.
Particularly if you’re in the market for a new water heater. Look for one that has an energystar rating and the tank size you need.
There are probably models that allow some degree of remote monitoring or control of the set point, if your goal is to get a tank heater that’s as smart as possible.
Unless the GE smart switch is there primarily to read power draw, or maybe as a backup/emergency on/off switch.
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That's exactly why I want it. I want to install leak sensors and a water shut off valve and at the same time, I want to power off the water heater and also power off my well pump. so I need 2 of them.
The only time I turn ours off is if we are going to be gone for a few months. Then when we get back, after the water has heated back up, I'll run the showers for 5 minutes or so without anyone in them. I read that the steam is a real problem if in the shower and legionella is present
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I'm curious why shut off the water heater if a leak is present? I have the "leak sensor" setup using a smart valve (City water) and have never shut off the water heater when there was a leak. Am I missing something I need to do?
either of you have experience with the GE switch. Looks good and has excellent reviews but the only ones I can find are 389.99. I guess I will buy them if there is no other option. Someone mentioned a Aeotec unit to me but it looks iffy and has bad reviews.
When I shut my water valve, I notice the water heater starts to rumble, like it is boiling. Could just be my paranoia
Interesting. I'll have to shut off the valve and go out to the shed and listen this afternoon.
I have no experience with the GE switch. When I was considering turning off the water heater I was going to use a 220V contacter and I smart relay to control the contactor.
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I'm also looking into this. The GE just looks like a solid device, even at 389, it seems like a no brainer.
I'm just cheap.
I winced when I dropped $120 for a Keen smart vent. Now the WAF for that purchase ended up being well worth it but it was a tough one when I did it. I am one of the few that has had good luck with my Keen.
Sorry for getting off-topic
No issues, I tend to ramble and get off topic a lot. I'm thinking of buying one of these on ebay. its the only place I have been able to find them. I read someplace that Jasco discontinued them.
Check out this product:
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I will check it out, do you know if it is UL certified?
I do not know if it is UL listed.
Certifications and warranty
Tested in accordance with ANSI/UL Std.916
Certified under CAN/CSA Std. C22.2 No205
3 years limited warranty.
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Thank you. I think for my home owners insurance, everything has to be UL certified or whatever.
A GE branded device tested to a UL standard and certified by CSA should be sufficient for most homeowners insurance in North America, but checking with one’s own carrier is the only way to know for sure.
