Home	Timer for gas water heater? ... 4 ideas for gas water heater timer ... maybe you have an idea too ...

Gas water heater identified by gas valve near bottom of tank and flue pipe on top of tank. For larger image, hold down Ctrl key and click + For technical info on gas water heater: <> Be aware the gas industry is highly regulated <> for valid safety concerns.

Idea 1: For do-it-yourself gas water heater timer, manually rotate dial until 'vacation' is at top Vacation setting stops tank from heating water while keeping pilot light lit. To resume heating water, rotate dial clockwise to thermostatic setting. <> Image on right shows  dial set at 120º Water heater thermostat settings are always approximate <> save3-5% operating cost for each 10º reduction in temperature.

	3 ideas for future gas water heater timer <> using existing products and technologies <> maybe you have an idea too...
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Idea 2: Commercial water heaters, like for apartment buildings, have electrical controls on gas valve.  This type of gas valve could be controlled by remote thermostat. A programmable thermostat would give consumers control over hot water heater. Ordinary residential water heaters have no electrical component, which is why a  timer or thermostatic control is not possible today. In practical terms, this idea relies on future changes. Water heater manufactures would face a steep curve changing laws that govern gas appliances, and additional challenges explaining a timer to the public.

Idea 3: Some gas valves, like for RVs, have up-down thermostat/vacation lever. A push-pull solenoid could move lever up and down. Solenoid could be controlled by a timer.

Idea 4:  Add gear motor to existing gas valve. Dial can be pulled off gas valve > revealing stem Stem can be rotated using low-speed gear motor

Examples of gear motors. Gear motors come in many varieties and are designed for specific applications Image shows air-blend-actuator motor used to move heat-air vents in autos > purchase from auto salvage yard > this specific gear motor can rotate gas valve from 'vacation' to 120º thermostatic setting <> and then from 120º thermostatic setting back to 'vacation' again.

Basic circuit to control and reverse air-blend-actuator 12V DC gear motor Drawn by Mike. Intended as start-point for innovators with political contacts to make changes in industry and government.

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