KEY POINTS
- A hot water timer is a cheap and reliable way to save on your water heating costs by operating more efficiently.
- You can expect to pay between $50-$300 upfront for a hot water timer, not including the installation cost.
- Some newer hot water systems come with a timer pre-installed, so you only need to change the settings as required.
Are you keen to fine-tune your residential solar power system and trim down your energy bills? Why not explore some of the perks of installing a hot water timer. In this guide, we’ll delve into how a hot water timer system can help you make the most of your solar power system and save on your energy bills.
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What are hot water system timers?
Hot water timers let you dictate when your hot water system springs into action and when it turns off. If you don’t have a timer attached to your hot water system, your system will heat continuously at all hours. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it does mean your system will heat during peak electricity hours, which will ultimately cost you more.
Many new hot water systems come with built-in timers, meaning you may simply need to check your timer is set to the best time period for peak solar power production. If you’re looking to add a timer to an older hot water system, have a qualified electrician install the timer on your switchboard as heat pumps have their own hard-wired electrical circuit and should be handled by a professional.
How do hot water system timers work with solar power?
For those who have solar power at home, a hot water timer is an excellent way to make the most of the energy your solar panels produce. Your hot water system timer can be set to turn on during hours when solar power production is expected to be at its highest, so you can maximise energy efficiency in your home.
In Australia, solar power production is typically highest between the hours of 10am and 3pm, making it the ideal time for your hot water system to be heating. By utilising these peak solar power production hours, you can make the most of your solar system and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates to reduce your overall energy expenses.
Benefits of using a timer for your hot water system
Installing a hot water system timer enables you to get more from your solar power. By utilising peak solar energy production times (typically during the middle of the day) and setting your hot water system to heat during this time, you limit your overall energy usage, create a more energy-efficient home and reduce your carbon footprint.
Using your solar system to heat your water during the middle of the day, when most people are at work or school, means you’re utilising energy that might otherwise be sent back to the grid. By being strategic with the amount of solar energy you use to heat your hot water, you can slash your dependence on grid electricity, which ultimately reduces your power bill.
Cost of a hot water timer
A hot water system timer can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 (when comparing different brands across multiple websites), plus the callout fee for the electrician to install the timer. There are many different types of timers available. You’ll be able to choose between a digital or a manual timer. Both allow you to set the heating time for your hot water system and change the timer settings as needed.
Typically, one version isn’t better than the other. It’s up to your personal preference whether you choose a digital or manual timer.
Compare solar plans and prices
It’s a good idea to compare your current energy plan with what’s cheapest on the market right now. If you haven’t changed your energy plan in the last 12 months, you are likely paying the default market offer and can get a better deal by looking around.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Installing a solar hot water system timer
It’s important to hire a qualified electrician to install a hot water system timer. They will ensure it’s executed safely and accurately and will also set the timer for you.
Most timers are set to operate between 10am and 3pm when solar energy production is at its highest. However, your electrician may recommend extending the operating hours depending on the season and how many people live in your household.
Typically, a household of four people will need four hours of hot water heating time during the day. For every extra person in your household, it’s recommended you add an hour of heating time throughout the day.
Choosing the right timer
Your electrician or hot water system installer can steer you toward the best type of timer for your specific system and energy usage patterns, ensuring peak performance and efficiency.
There is an array of hot water system timers available, in both manual and digital models. Some timers are equipped with features like multiple programming options, override functions, and battery backup to guarantee reliability and user-friendliness.
Key points to consider when choosing a hot water system timer:
- Budget
- Digital or manual timer
- Programming options
- Solar system size
- Household size
Other hot water heating options
While a hot water system timer is a great way to manage costs and energy consumption, it’s not the only way to improve your water heating efficiency.
Heat pump
A heat pump with storage is an incredibly energy-efficient way to heat your water. They operate similarly to air conditioners and require much less energy to operate. Heat pumps use refrigerants, compressors and the heat of ambient air to heat your water. As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed, they provide multiple sources of energy for heating purposes.
Solar hot water diverter
A solar hot water diverter is a device that channels excess electricity from your rooftop solar system to your electric hot water cylinder. This means that your hot water system heats when your solar system is producing the most energy, regardless of the time of day.
Depending on your solar system size and your hot water usage, Solar Quotes says it’s possible for a diverter to heat all of your hot water using solar power. If your panels do not generate enough power to heat your hot water system when needed, the diverter will allow grid electricity to flow to the system.
Is a hot water system timer right for my home?
Integrating a hot water system timer into your solar-powered home can improve energy efficiency and slash your overall energy costs. By aligning your water heating needs with peak solar energy production and off-peak electricity tariffs, you can enjoy more benefits from your solar power system and savings on your energy bills.
More importantly, feed-in tariffs are typically far lower in value than peak and off-peak electricity. A hot water system timer productively redirects captured solar energy to meet your water heating needs.
However, there are important factors to consider, such as whether your existing solar system is large enough to support your hot water system element and how much it will cost you to purchase a timer and have it installed. Seek the advice of a qualified electrician to ensure you make the right choice for your home.
Have more solar questions? Visit Canstar Blue’s Solar Hub
Original reporting by Tara Donnelly
Image Source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com
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