Dock De-icer Timers Save Money and Energy

Reduce the Amount of Time Your De-icer Runs Each Day

Many dock owners who use an Ice Eater or Kasco Marine De-icer are interested in making their installations as energy efficient as possible. One of the tools available is the timer to set up periods of operation, followed by periods of “off” time. If conditions are moderate enough, the ice will be melted back during the periods of operation. While the de-icer is off, saving electricity, the water will begin to chill, and when ice begins to form again, the timer will bring the unit back on-line.

Some areas in New England report that 4 hours per day is often enough to keep a dock clear much of the time. Running the de-icer for only 4 hours a day will reduce your energy usage by about 85%. Even in more extreme conditions, running the unit for 12 hours per day will cut energy use in half. Getting the correct cycle for you area will require a little experimentation. Also be aware that you may need to alter your de-icing cycle if the weather changes dramatically.

Timers for de-icers work on the same principal as a household electrical timer you might use to control lights. They are often heavier-duty to handle the current needs of the unit. Using a timer that isn’t up to the task is not recommended and can lead to failure of your de-icing system and to unsafe operating conditions. Choosing one of the units offered by the manufacturer of your de-icer will give you peace of mind that it will be up to the task.

How Timers Work

Your timer will be used in-line, between the power supply and the unit. Most will have a mechanism to set several on and off points, often set by adjusting moveable pegs on the dial face. When in the on position, power will flow to your unit, and in the off position, the circuit will be broken effectively turning the de-icer off. You’ll want to locate your timer where it will be protected from the weather.

Combine a Timer and Thermostat for Ultimate Efficiency

In our article “Thermostats for Energy Efficiency” we explored how a thermostat can be used to reduce energy use by only turning the unit on when the air temperature is below freezing (or lower for salt water applications). A popular approach is to combine a timer and a thermostat in the same set-up for optimal energy savings. When the temperatures are below freezing, the timer will limit the operation of the unit, but any time the air temperature is above freezing, the thermostat will ensure that the unit stays off. If you have an appropriate timer and thermostat, they can be used together, otherwise you might want to look at a ready-made controller that combines both time and temperature functions, like the C-20 Controller by Kasco Marine.

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Additional questions about de-icers? Talk with one of our representatives via chat, e-mail, or toll free at 866.560.1330. We are always happy to help.