Suburban Water Heater - turn on as needed or leave on?

[themexicandoctor]

I always wondered if, apart from a little propane savings, if there was a benefit to turning the Heater off when not using it & turning it on again, just before use?

No rush, it's a 10 year question I have been meaning to ask.

[hbn7hj]

Nobody keeps the water heater on. Put an aquarium thermometer on the water heater with the alarm set at 103F. When the alarm sounds, turn the heater off and take your shower. If you don’t use the shower then there isn’t much use at all for the water heater.

[SteveJ]

Originally Posted by hbn7hj

Nobody keeps the water heater on. Put an aquarium thermometer on the water heater with the alarm set at 103F. When the alarm sounds, turn the heater off and take your shower. If you don’t use the shower then there isn’t much use at all for the water heater.

What style of thermometer did you use? Link to it or similar? TIA.

We use a meat probe with a wireless remote with an alarm. This has a lag in the temp readings to the point if the water shows around 65* we only bring the water to 88 indicated for a comfortable shower. Actual temp is about 102+/-. If the water is already at 80 we bring it up to 91. The probe is stuck into the foam insulation at a pretty sharp angle.

[themexicandoctor]

Thank you Gentlemen.

The unit was new to the original buyer in 05, I check the anode rod every 6-9 months.

Use the Heated Water a lot for Washing dishes & Showers.

Is 16 years a long time for a Surburban Heater?

Is there a better replacement when it goes sideways?

[avanti]

Back when I had a rig with a Suburban heater, we often left it on 24/7 so we never had to think about it. Our current setup uses an on-demand heat-exchanger in the hydronic loop, so it is not an issue. We DO tend to keep the hydronic loop hot most of the time, especially when shore power is available.

[SteveJ]

Originally Posted by themexicandoctor

Thank you Gentlemen.



Is 16 years a long time for a Surburban Heater?

Is there a better replacement when it goes sideways?

I'm thinking it depends on how well it was maintained(anode rod and flush);

Our RT that we sold had the original at twenty years old and 221k miles. It did have a fairly fresh anode rod.


Define "better". No complaint here.

[hbn7hj]

Originally Posted by SteveJ

What style of thermometer did you use? Link to it or similar? TIA.

We use a meat probe with a wireless remote with an alarm. This has a lag in the temp readings to the point if the water shows around 65* we only bring the water to 88 indicated for a comfortable shower. Actual temp is about 102+/-. If the water is already at 80 we bring it up to 91. The probe is stuck into the foam insulation at a pretty sharp angle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9T7ZF8...roduct_details

We gave up on hook ups when they headed toward $50/night three years ago. Have become addicted to free and rarely pay for a parking spot. Can’t remember doing it in three years. Possible out west, not so easy on the east coast.

[Doneworking]

I like to change the anode annually whether it needs it or not. Some would say wasteful and some (like me) would just say cheap insurance. Also, I flush it well at least twice a year. Fifteen years old now and no problems.

[SteveJ]

Originally Posted by hbn7hj

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9T7ZF8...roduct_details

We gave up on hook ups when they headed toward $50/night three years ago. Have become addicted to free and rarely pay for a parking spot. Can’t remember doing it in three years. Possible out west, not so easy on the east coast.

Thanks. Where exactly did you stick the probe?


Agree on the free or dirt cheap with the geezer card. We stayed at one "RV park" last year for one night, in approximately 4-5 months on the road. That was a clothing optional "resort" in western NM, Faywood Hot Springs. Interesting place and quite frugal. Somewhere around $46/night including access to the hot springs. Gonna likely hit it again to or from the big show in Quartzite.

[hbn7hj]

Originally Posted by SteveJ

Thanks. Where exactly did you stick the probe?

Behind the foam insulation. Any opening will work.

[SteveJ]

Originally Posted by hbn7hj

Behind the foam insulation. Any opening will work.

Thanks, that was my assumption, but you how that assume word can work out...

[rvsprinterguy]

I'm also in the change the anode every year camp. That's also when I flush it out.

Per the original question, the water heater is never on unless we have an immediate need for hot water. This is the same whether on shore power and therefore electric, or not connected and using propane.

[themexicandoctor]

Thank you Everyone.

I need to be more diligent in turning it off & remembering to turn it back on when needed.