Possible Reasons for High Electric Bills

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by fnewman

That is correct for newer heaters, but older ones had much less insulation. The difference can be minimal in your area or even mine most of the year, but when the temp drops to 18-20 like is has recently there can be a lot of heat loss if the heater is not located in a heated area of the home. I agree that timers can help some, but the best solution is gas.

Remember we are talking about the Houston, TX area here. Anything close to freezing is an event. Most water heaters that I have seen in manufactured homes are inside the unit (I guess they don't travel well underneath). I have yet to see a water heater in a crawlspace in TX.

[Frank P. Newman]

I'm not suggesting that insulation or location issues are totally responsible for high power bills. All those comments may be true for homes in the south, but water heaters are still one of the largest energy consumers. I am in the 'deep south' as well, but regularly see heaters in the attics and crawl spaces here and it was about 18 here this morning.