Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

[Solittle]

We have a 50 gallon Rheem natural gas hot water heater. The gas is piped into the house by the gas company. It is the only gas appliance that we have. The kids are gone so wife and I are the only ones that use hot water. We do not try to save money by scrimping on hot water.<br /><br />The gas consumed is reported on the bill as CCF or 100 cubic feet of gas. Any idea of what would be the typical quantity of gas consumed in a month?

 

[ehenry]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

Not intending to slight ya, Solittle. If you're not trying to save money by scrimping on hot water why worry about it. I'm all gas at my house..2 gas water heater, gas clothes dryer, gas cook top, gas genset on the house. I scrimp on gas and electricity every chance I get. Bout the only time I dont scrimp on is air conditioning in the summer time.

 

[Ken G]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

For comparison's sake the water heater is my only gas appliance that I have now. I live alone, have no dishwasher, use mostly cold water for laundry, and take average length showers at least daily. I'm not really trying to conserve but thats the way I've always lived anyway.<br /><br />My current bill lists last month's usage at 9 ccf for a total cost of $21.76, $6.00 of that charge is the 'Customer Charge' which is the privilege of letting Cinergy sell me gas. For the last year my usage has varied from 8-13 ccf's with a monthly average of 10 ccf for the year.<br /><br /><br />Edit: For what its worth my water heater is a 40 gallon Richmond that is at least 12 years old. Also, I was looking at the yellow usage sticker on the heater and it uses a 'Therm' as the unit of gas cost for comparing costs. NO ONE at Cinergy could tell me what a therm was or what their cost per therm was.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> We have a 50 gallon Rheem natural gas hot water heater.

Why do you have to heat hot water? <br />Sorry...couldn't resist

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

Hummm, Miami, sun, sun, and more sun. Have you considered a solar powered hot water heater, these were standard all over Florida before the gas/electric/oil companies convinced users that they had a better idea. Or maybe use a demand electric unit, it only heats as needed and stores none. Either way will eliminate the gas contract and after paying for itself will put cash in your pocket. You can probably use the old hot water heater for solar heated storage.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

Part of the problem is that my meter readings have been all over the place due to "estimated' readings. In the past 13 months they have varied from 10-33 CCF. That is a huge difference from what KenG is getting. Our last bill was $71.82 for 29 CCF. (And yes I have contacted the Public Service Commission on these estimated readings).<br /><br />I would like to find a web site that shows "typical" consumption. When I Google I get page after page after page of web sites that want to sell me something. <br /><br />I am not looking for alternatives at this point. I would like to get some more feedback on what consumption you all are experiencing.

 

[KRS]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

Insulate the water heater.<br /><br />Turn it down a little.<br /><br />Drain it yearly to remove bottom sediment.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

I have a gas furnace, water heater, and clothes dryer and my gas bill(which just arrived) was for 64 ccf and $90. It has been warm up here but not miami warm, would think your bill should be around 15 to 20 dollars.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

Wow, $90.00... Wish I had that bill. Our wonderful provider here in the St. Louis Area, Laclede Gas, has managed to more than double the rate since Katrina. Just the Wife and I. Bill was over $350.00 last month. Gas Furnace(High Efficiency), Water Heater(Older) and Dryer(Older). Just paid it today and just one more reason I can't wait for spring....

 

[dustydiesel]

Re: Hot Water Heater Gas Consumption??

I had a customer that called in a gass leak only after their vistors cut there stay short due to fear and the smell of gas. how thay could not tell or didnt notice or not catch fire is a mystery. (rare case).have you checked for leakage in the pipeing system. burners use gas when operating, leaks run 24/7 I dont know how big a leak would have to be before it would show up on the utility bill but dish soap and a paint brush to lather the soap on the gas pipe joints is a quick test. depending on the gas pipe lay out (hiden or enclosed areas)you may need to do have a pressure test done by the gas companany or contractor