Hello,
I registered here because I urgently need advice regarding domestic hot water preparation and hope this is the right place.
My husband passed away four weeks ago, and I need to reduce my electricity costs urgently. At the moment, I pay a monthly electricity advance of 155€ and simply can no longer afford that.
I live in a small, old house, and currently I have a very old 200-liter (53-gallon) water heater that probably consumes a lot of electricity.
The rental agreement was written so that the landlord is not responsible for any modernization measures of any kind, just in case questions arise.
I take one shower daily and bathe once a week. I only have a washing machine and a stove. No dryer, no dishwasher, no microwave, etc. Otherwise, just a PC, television, and usual household lighting (energy-saving).
What would you recommend: an instantaneous water heater (tankless) or an 80-liter (21-gallon) water heater? Money is very tight, so I cannot consider other options.
Thank you and have a nice Sunday.
I registered here because I urgently need advice regarding domestic hot water preparation and hope this is the right place.
My husband passed away four weeks ago, and I need to reduce my electricity costs urgently. At the moment, I pay a monthly electricity advance of 155€ and simply can no longer afford that.
I live in a small, old house, and currently I have a very old 200-liter (53-gallon) water heater that probably consumes a lot of electricity.
The rental agreement was written so that the landlord is not responsible for any modernization measures of any kind, just in case questions arise.
I take one shower daily and bathe once a week. I only have a washing machine and a stove. No dryer, no dishwasher, no microwave, etc. Otherwise, just a PC, television, and usual household lighting (energy-saving).
What would you recommend: an instantaneous water heater (tankless) or an 80-liter (21-gallon) water heater? Money is very tight, so I cannot consider other options.
Thank you and have a nice Sunday.
G
Gartenfreund19 Oct 2015 07:28First of all, my sincere condolences for your loss.
The consumption is really quite high.
You should definitely investigate where the energy is ultimately being used.
As Müllerin already suggested, I would also recommend getting an energy cost meter to at least measure the consumption of all devices that have a plug. I would measure each device over 24 hours and then extrapolate the results for the whole year.
This way, you can find out how much each device consumes annually and take action if necessary.
The boiler probably cannot be measured this way since, as I suspect, it is connected directly without a plug or its power rating might be too high for the meter.
Check if you can find a rating plate on it; it should indicate its power consumption.
I believe you can also borrow an energy cost meter from your energy provider.
Alternatively, you can purchase one yourself. These devices are not particularly expensive.
I took the liberty to provide a link.
One more question: do your TV, PC, etc., possibly run in standby mode? While this would not explain the huge consumption, it could at least contribute to it.
And another thing.
You should not install the electric tankless water heater yourself; you need someone who is familiar with this.
All the best for the future
---------------------------------
... and I took the liberty to remove the link. Please observe the forum rules.
Thank you!
Bauexperte
The consumption is really quite high.
You should definitely investigate where the energy is ultimately being used.
As Müllerin already suggested, I would also recommend getting an energy cost meter to at least measure the consumption of all devices that have a plug. I would measure each device over 24 hours and then extrapolate the results for the whole year.
This way, you can find out how much each device consumes annually and take action if necessary.
The boiler probably cannot be measured this way since, as I suspect, it is connected directly without a plug or its power rating might be too high for the meter.
Check if you can find a rating plate on it; it should indicate its power consumption.
I believe you can also borrow an energy cost meter from your energy provider.
Alternatively, you can purchase one yourself. These devices are not particularly expensive.
I took the liberty to provide a link.
One more question: do your TV, PC, etc., possibly run in standby mode? While this would not explain the huge consumption, it could at least contribute to it.
And another thing.
You should not install the electric tankless water heater yourself; you need someone who is familiar with this.
All the best for the future
---------------------------------
... and I took the liberty to remove the link. Please observe the forum rules.
Thank you!
Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte19 Oct 2015 13:27Hello,
Regards, Bauexperte
Tweedy schrieb:Changing the electrical circuit should definitely be left to people who are familiar with it! Adding a branch circuit doesn’t cost the most money, but safety comes first; especially your own! Again: talk to the social welfare office and/or possibly charitable organizations like Caritas 😉
With a tankless water heater, I think it’s different because you need specific wiring? Maybe I can find instructions online to do it myself.
Tweedy schrieb:Call your utility provider and ask them to come out and check the electrical supply. In my opinion, it shouldn’t cost anything.
How can I find out if someone else is using my electricity?
Regards, Bauexperte
First of all, my condolences, that’s a tough situation.
I would agree with Computersylvia on this.
Otherwise, maybe consider switching to a different provider? How long do you usually shower on average? A difference between 5 and 15 minutes can really matter, I hope you see what I mean.
Regarding the tankless water heater, I can only speak from personal experience. We live in an area with very hard water. That’s great for skin and hair, but hated by every faucet and anything connected to water. The tankless water heater is no exception. We’ve already had three break down within a few years, so now we’re looking for a different solution because it gets frustrating and expensive over time, and cold showers are always awful...
Best regards
I would agree with Computersylvia on this.
Otherwise, maybe consider switching to a different provider? How long do you usually shower on average? A difference between 5 and 15 minutes can really matter, I hope you see what I mean.
Regarding the tankless water heater, I can only speak from personal experience. We live in an area with very hard water. That’s great for skin and hair, but hated by every faucet and anything connected to water. The tankless water heater is no exception. We’ve already had three break down within a few years, so now we’re looking for a different solution because it gets frustrating and expensive over time, and cold showers are always awful...
Best regards
A properly functioning tankless water heater requires at least 15 kW of power supply, which would most likely involve costly electrical system upgrades in your home.
It is also uncertain whether replacing the old electric storage water heater with a new one makes sense, since heating a certain volume of water to the desired temperature requires a specific amount of energy, and the new unit may not operate efficiently enough to pay off quickly.
What is probably more reasonable is to have the old storage tank descaled, as this can significantly reduce energy consumption and should not be very expensive!
It is also uncertain whether replacing the old electric storage water heater with a new one makes sense, since heating a certain volume of water to the desired temperature requires a specific amount of energy, and the new unit may not operate efficiently enough to pay off quickly.
What is probably more reasonable is to have the old storage tank descaled, as this can significantly reduce energy consumption and should not be very expensive!
Try switching your provider... you are paying 26.38 cents per kWh including tax and 96 € per year for the basic fee at 6000 kWh per year? By switching providers (to a reputable one – for example Maingau), you could save around 250 € per year.
Do you have three-phase power installed in your bathroom? It was already mentioned... I don’t think investing in that would be worthwhile.
Could you perhaps reduce the boiler volume?
Do you have three-phase power installed in your bathroom? It was already mentioned... I don’t think investing in that would be worthwhile.
Could you perhaps reduce the boiler volume?
N
nordanney27 Dec 2015 10:15BeHaElJa schrieb:
Try switching your provider... you’re paying 26.38 cents per kWh gross and €96 (about $105) per year as a fixed fee with an annual consumption of 6000 kWh. By changing providers (to a reliable one, e.g., Maingau), you could save around €250 (about $275) per year. Double that saving! We recently signed a contract (brand of RWE) with an effective rate of around 19.5 cents per kWh including the fixed fee. There is a lot going on in the electricity market right now.
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