The first time I installed an Aquanta Water Heater Controller, it was for a client who was frustrated by skyrocketing energy bills. They didn’t want to replace their whole water heater, so we opted for a solution that could optimize their existing system—enter Aquanta. After seeing its impact firsthand, I became a believer in this little device. It’s a simple but powerful upgrade that gives you more control over your water heater, helping you save on energy without sacrificing comfort.
What is the Aquanta Water Heater Controller?
The Aquanta Water Heater Controller is a smart retrofit device that can be attached to most standard electric or gas water heaters. It turns your water heater into a smart appliance by giving you control over its schedule, temperature, and even providing insights into your energy usage. The idea is to save energy by heating water only when you need it—without the need to replace your existing unit.
Key Features of the Aquanta Water Heater Controller
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Enabled | Connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing remote control and monitoring through a mobile app. |
| Smart Scheduling | Learn your usage patterns and automatically adjust heating times to save energy. |
| Energy Usage Tracking | Provides insights into how much energy your water heater is using, helping you optimize efficiency. |
| Vacation Mode | Lets you turn off or minimize heating when you’re away, ensuring you don’t waste energy. |
| Compatibility | Works with most electric and gas water heaters, making it a versatile solution. |
| Leak Detection | Comes with a sensor that can detect leaks and send you alerts, adding an extra layer of protection. |
Installation Experience
As a plumber, I’ve installed plenty of devices, and I found the Aquanta Water Heater Controller pretty straightforward to set up. It took me about an hour, and if you’re comfortable around basic wiring, you could do it yourself. Here’s what the installation process typically looks like:
- Shut Off Power: Safety first! Always turn off the power or gas supply before working on any water heater.
- Mounting: The Aquanta controller mounts directly onto the side of your existing water heater. It comes with everything you need for installation.
- Wiring: You’ll need to connect it to the thermostat wiring of your electric water heater or gas control valve. The instructions were clear, and everything fit without much fuss.
- Wi-Fi Setup: Once mounted and wired, the next step is connecting it to your Wi-Fi via the Aquanta app. The app walks you through the setup, and it was smooth in my experience.
- Calibration: The system takes about a week to learn your household’s hot water habits, after which it can start optimizing energy usage.
Performance Overview:
After setting up Aquanta, here’s what stood out to me and my clients:
Smart Scheduling
Aquanta’s smart scheduling feature is one of the main reasons it stands out. The device tracks when your household uses the most hot water (morning showers, evening laundry, etc.) and heats water based on these patterns. This means it can avoid wasting energy during times when you’re not home or sleeping.
For example, instead of heating water 24/7 like a standard water heater, Aquanta ensures hot water is ready when you need it and cuts back when you don’t.
Energy Savings
Clients report energy savings of 10-30% after installing Aquanta. I’ve seen it make a noticeable difference in homes with high hot water demands. One customer told me they cut about $150 off their annual energy bill after Aquanta adjusted to their schedule.
Here’s how Aquanta saves energy:
- Reduced Standby Heat Loss: Since water heaters typically run all day to keep water hot, Aquanta reduces unnecessary heating during off-peak hours.
- On-Demand Heating: If you need hot water unexpectedly, you can turn it on remotely through the app. No more wasting energy when nobody’s using hot water.
Remote Control via App
The Aquanta app allows you to control your water heater from anywhere. Whether you’re home or away, you can check the temperature, schedule heating, or turn on Vacation Mode to minimize heating when you’re not home.
I’ve found this especially useful for clients with vacation homes. They can keep the water heater off for most of the year and turn it on only when they’re heading to the property.
Energy Monitoring
One of my favorite features is the energy monitoring dashboard. The app provides insights into how much energy your water heater is using and how much you’re saving. Over time, you can adjust settings to further optimize efficiency.
Leak Detection
Aquanta also comes with a leak detection sensor, which alerts you if it senses any water near the unit. This feature can save you from potential water damage, which is a huge bonus for homeowners concerned about leaks from aging water heaters.
Pros of the Aquanta Water Heater Controller
- Energy Savings: The smart scheduling and energy optimization features can help cut down on your energy bills by reducing unnecessary water heating.
- Remote Control: You can adjust your water heater settings from anywhere using the mobile app. This is incredibly convenient for people who travel often or own vacation homes.
- Leak Detection: The built-in leak detection adds an extra layer of protection, sending you alerts if there’s a potential issue with your water heater.
- Easy Installation: The Aquanta controller is designed to retrofit to most existing water heaters, and installation is relatively simple.
- Eco-Friendly: By optimizing your water heater’s energy use, Aquanta helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Cons of the Aquanta Water Heater Controller
- Upfront Cost: While Aquanta pays for itself in energy savings over time, the initial price tag (around $150-$200) might feel steep for some homeowners.
- Wi-Fi Dependent: The controller relies on a Wi-Fi connection for remote access and full functionality. If your internet connection isn’t stable, you might experience issues with the app or lose control when away from home.
- Limited Compatibility: While it works with most electric and gas water heaters, not all models are compatible, especially some older water heaters. It’s important to check Aquanta’s compatibility guide before purchasing.
- Learning Period: It takes a week or so for Aquanta to “learn” your household’s hot water usage patterns. During this time, energy savings might not be as noticeable.
Who Should Buy the Aquanta Water Heater Controller?
In my experience, the Aquanta Water Heater Controller is perfect for homeowners who:
- Want to reduce energy bills: If you’re looking to cut down on energy waste without replacing your water heater, Aquanta is a great option.
- Prefer remote control: For people who like the convenience of controlling their water heater through an app, especially when away from home, Aquanta delivers.
- Own vacation homes: If you have a second property, Aquanta lets you keep your water heater off most of the time and only heat water when you’re there.
- Are eco-conscious: Reducing standby heat loss and heating water only when needed makes Aquanta an environmentally friendly choice.
Final Verdict: Is the Aquanta Water Heater Controller Worth It?
Yes, if you’re looking to save on energy bills, gain control over your water heater, and add extra protection with leak detection, the Aquanta Water Heater Controller is a worthwhile investment. While it requires an upfront cost and a solid Wi-Fi connection, the long-term savings and convenience it provides make it a fantastic option for any homeowner wanting to upgrade their existing water heater.
After installing Aquanta for several clients and monitoring their feedback, it’s clear that this device makes water heating more efficient and smarter without the need for an expensive replacement.