iSmart hot water controller

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › iSmart hot water controller

Jax

92 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#202108 17-Sep-2016 16:07

Does anyone have any feedback on this product?
http://www.ismartcontroller.co.nz/ismart-controller/

Seems to be a way to granularly control the on/off of the HWC to save $$.

Our situation is a 300l electric cylinder (4yrs old) for 4 people, I think our electric bill is low $200's/mth (incl heating, cooking, water)

If there were enough savings and ROI I would consider it (i.e 3 yrs) which I think there might be, but I am not knowledgeable in such things.
I was considering this along with a change to Electric Kiwi which has an "hours of power" per day for free - then I can control the HWC to run max during this hour.

We are currently with powershop and I don't think any provider I've dealt with recently does ripple control?

Willuknight

146 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 19

Trusted

#1635449 18-Sep-2016 15:13

I asked my electrician about it, they said it was about $2000 - very long buyback. He instead advised me to install a 7 day electric timer which only cost about $150 - which I have done. Not been in long enough yet to figure out the savings, but should do the same job.

Aredwood

3885 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1749

#1635648 19-Sep-2016 00:38

Ripple control is provided by your lines company, not your power retailer. Have a look at your power plan. If it says "controlled" or all inclusive" you are probably already on ripple control. If it says "anytime" then you are not on ripple control. Ripple control is only a benefit from a savings point of view if the power company offers cheaper prices if you have it. But in Auckland for example there is virtually no price difference from having ripple control. But some other areas offer night rate hot water. Which can be alot cheaper.

We would need to know where you live and which lines company cover your area to see if there is a better power plan for you. As what your power retailer is normally constrained by what the lines company offers.

Agree that controller is ridiculously overpriced. As you can buy hot water cylinders with them already fitted. And they would probably still be cheaper. And these type controllers only work by allowing the temperature to drop from cutting the power to the cylinder during low usage periods. Due to heat loss or not re heating after hot water used. So the biggest savings will be on poorly insulated cylinders. Or cylinders with faulty valves or leaking hot water pipes causing them to waste hot water. Meaning you are better off either adding more insulation or fixing the leak.

Best bang for buck way to save is switch to Flick electric. And install a cheap timer on the cylinder so it only heats during the wee small hours when the wholesale prices are normally cheaper.

Jax

92 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#1635667 19-Sep-2016 08:00

Forgot to mention I am in North Shore, Auckland - *think* Vector is the line company.

re: Price, I'm thinking it would be more like $1k, there are various specials (http://new.grabone.co.nz/home-and-living1/home-care/p/ismart-kiwi-controller) and one through Electric Kiwi ATM.

Cheers for the link to the Rinnai, pretty much the same thing eh? I dont think that was around when I purchased my HWC.