|
09-21-2018, 09:47 AM
|
#1
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 40
|
Small electric water heater only turned on prior to use?
Hello, friends!
I had seen an article somewhere that mentioned somebody who was using a propane 5 gal water tank but only turning it on about 20 min prior to showering. This was suggested as a more efficient way of utilizing it rather than keeping the water in the tank at temp.
Has anybody had success doing this with a small electric tank? I have seen some Bosch models that are around 5-7 gal that would fit just about anyplace a tankless would and would not require venting or an additional fuel source. I just don't know if it would warm up fast enough with the electric coils to make it efficient if it was started up prior to a shower, for example.
Any feedback or experience is appreciated!
|
|
|
09-21-2018, 01:22 PM
|
#2
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Spring Valley AZ
Posts: 1,343
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins
Rated Cap: 2 elderly children, 1 cat
|
We use a 6g electric.
If we're plugged in I leave it on.
If 'docking I leave it off and twice per day I run the gen to: top off batts, or cook in the micro, or heat water. One thing at a time usually.
I changed the oem 1650w heater element to a 1000w one so our little Yamaha Genny can handle it, takes about 10 min if warm out and maybe 20 if cold.
hth
__________________
Don, Mary and Spooky the cat.
|
|
|
09-21-2018, 01:31 PM
|
#3
|
Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 40
|
Awesome info, thank you! So even with a 1000w instead of the stock 1650w element, you still heat 5 gallons to a usable warmth in 20 min when it's cold out?
300-400wh for a shower ain't so bad, considering that we have adopted a more, umm, lenient standard on cleanliness to conserve water. I almost feel like the PV can handle that, once we add another panel.
|
|
|
09-21-2018, 02:06 PM
|
#4
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Spring Valley AZ
Posts: 1,343
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins
Rated Cap: 2 elderly children, 1 cat
|
The water is warm even after a day unless it's really cold and no air heater running. We are not full time so "too cold" means move to a warmer area...or wait for it.
I have never actually timed it but it's not long really.
We're heading out soon for a 2 week road trip and I will leave with hot water and never let it get cold.
You can get 12v elements and hook to a dedicated solar panel(s) direct.
BTW our WH is inside the bus.
__________________
Don, Mary and Spooky the cat.
|
|
|
09-26-2018, 02:42 PM
|
#5
|
New Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 4
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2kool4skool
We use a 6g electric.
If we're plugged in I leave it on.
If 'docking I leave it off and twice per day I run the gen to: top off batts, or cook in the micro, or heat water. One thing at a time usually.
I changed the oem 1650w heater element to a 1000w one so our little Yamaha Genny can handle it, takes about 10 min if warm out and maybe 20 if cold.
hth
|
This is relevant to my interests. Do you happen to know what the draw is on that baby when it's *OT* actively heating the water, or at least what kind of duty cycle it runs?
Danke!
|
|
|
09-26-2018, 04:35 PM
|
#6
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Spring Valley AZ
Posts: 1,343
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins
Rated Cap: 2 elderly children, 1 cat
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by OtterMaddness
This is relevant to my interests. Do you happen to know what the draw is on that baby when it's *OT* actively heating the water, or at least what kind of duty cycle it runs?
Danke!
|
Probably 1000w Never measured it with my Killawatt.
__________________
Don, Mary and Spooky the cat.
|
|
|
09-26-2018, 08:22 PM
|
#7
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Spring Valley AZ
Posts: 1,343
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins
Rated Cap: 2 elderly children, 1 cat
|
Measured with KW meter.
Tank full, water temp about 90f and it was drawing 840 watts at 115v.
__________________
Don, Mary and Spooky the cat.
|
|
|
09-26-2018, 11:48 PM
|
#8
|
Bus Crazy
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,362
Year: 1993
Coachwork: bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins, Allison AT1545
Rated Cap: 2
|
i have a Rheem electric 6 gallon heater and have been pretty happy with it.
im surprised how long the water stays warm in the tank. during the summer, i have hot water, 2 days after turning off the heater.
the down side of the 6 gallon tank is that its not quite enough for a good long shower. i'd go with a 10-12g model if i did a do over. the water heater does heat up pretty fast, but standing wet for 10 minutes waiting, is a bit too long.
there was an interesting conversion a few years ago, 220v heater converted to work either on 110 or 220. its worth searching for if you'll have a 50A hookup.
|
|
|
09-27-2018, 12:10 AM
|
#9
|
New Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 4
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2kool4skool
Measured with KW meter.
Tank full, water temp about 90f and it was drawing 840 watts at 115v.
|
Dude, thank you so much for checking. I appreciate that.
Certainly worth checking to see if it fits into my 'lectric budget.
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|