Want to save money on your water heating bill? Water heaters account for about 18% of your total energy bill. Learn how to create a more efficient home.Having hot water in our home is something that most of us take for granted. But if it was ever taken away from us, we would quite literally feel the chill. Hot showers, clean dishes, clean clothes and other creature comforts associated with hot water are intrinsic to our everyday lives. But did you know that hot water is the second largest energy expense in the home? It generally accounts for about 18% of the utility bill (U.S. DOE).
Source: energy.gov
Since hot water is such an essential component in our day-to-day, these facts aren’t necessarily surprising. However, they do suggest that reevaluating usage and maintenance might save the average home quite a bit of money. That leaky faucet might seem inconsequential, but it can lead to gallons of wasted water – and put a substantial “drain” on your monthly bill.
Below are several money-saving water heating tips (many supported by energy.gov) that will definitely help lower those large water heating bill.
Though many manufacturers set their water heater thermostats at 140°F, most typical households are comfortable with 120°F. Try taking a shower after you’ve made the adjustment; it’s unlikely you will notice a substantial difference in the temperature. Not only does this small decrease cut costs, it also reduces scalding and slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your heater and pipes.
Insulating your storage tank (whether it’s electric, natural gas or oil) helps to reduce heat loss and prevents the unit from turning on as frequently. Be careful to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations which include not covering the heater’s thermostat, burner, and the top and bottom. Call your local plumber for assistance in insulating your hot water tank.
Heat traps allow the flow of cold water into the tank, but prevent heated water and unwanted convection to flow from the unit. Most modern water heaters are designed with built-in heat traps. But if your unit is more than 10 years old (and in good condition), installing a heat trap is a viable option. Ask your professional plumber for more information.
While this may seem like an obvious tip, using cold water for most laundry loads (especially during the rinse cycle) and for basic grooming (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.) will go a long way in helping cut down your utility bill. Cold water is also healthy and good for your health and wellbeing.
A leaky faucet may seem like a minor nuisance, but it can waste water and money in a very short period of time. Repair any leaky faucet immediately (be sure to check the outdoor faucets as well). Did you know that 10% of homes have plumbing leaks that waste over 90 gallons a day (epa.gov)!
Learn how to locate your main water valve and inspect for leaks.
Discover more about fixing pipe leaks.
It’s a good practice to drain your water heater every year or so. Draining the tank helps to remove sediment that can impede heat transfer and ultimately lower the efficiency of the unit. While this is a relatively easy procedure, always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. If in doubt, call a professional to help with water heater maintenance.
A traditional water heater tank is always running, which is a waste of electricity. Installing a timer to turn off your heater at night is a great way to help conserve energy – and could add years to the life of the unit. Call your local plumber for more information on water heater timers.
In addition to insulating the tank itself, consider adding insulation to the first 6 feet of both the hot and cold water pipes connected to the unit. This will prevent fire hazards and help conserve heat so that your system doesn’t have to work so hard to reheat it.
If your dishwasher or washing machine is more than 10 years old, you might consider replacing it with a new, more energy-efficient model. There are many new designs on the market (including ENERGY STAR® models) that use less water and are much more efficient than what was on the market even a decade ago.
It’s a good idea to replace your water heater if it is more than 10 years old. An old water heater is not only inefficient but could also cause irreparable damage if it leaks or bursts.
If you are thinking about replacing your water heater, there are many different options available to you, including tankless water heating. By only heating water when you require it, tankless water heater can save you $70-$80 per year, which adds up over its 20+ year lifespan.
This water heater infographic by the U.S. Dept. of Energy lays out everything you need to know about your water heater replacement options, along with some tips for lowering your water heating costs:
Source: energy.gov
Don’t continue to throw money down the drain with expensive water heating bills. Follow these tips and conserve both water and energy – while keeping your utility bills in check.
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One simple twist of a dial can save you money on energy costs each time you take a shower or wash your dishes. It's not too good to be true.
Water heating costs make up a surprisingly large household expense you might not often think about. It can account for 14% to 18% of an average utility bill, according to the Department of Energy. The water heater in my apartment is projected to cost me $489 each year.
You may have noticed that your gas and electric bills have been getting bigger. They're expected to keep trending in that direction.
If you're looking to save some cash, consider your water heater (and hot water consumption) to start. Here's what to know.
For more easy ways to cut costs, you can turn off the lights and also do laundry the cost-efficient way. And you could consider buying a smart thermostat or other energy-saving smart device.
If you're looking for a short answer, it's 120 degrees Fahrenheit (about 49 degrees Celsius). Many water heaters are set to 140 degrees F per factory specifications, but lowering the temperature, combined with other conservation tactics, can lead to energy savings of 4% to 22%, and up to $400, according to the Department of Energy. Even with the lower setting, you shouldn't have trouble getting your shower or dishwater hot enough.
And the default setting of 140 F (60 C) may be going away. Recent installation manuals for major residential water heater manufacturers actually call for a starting temperature of 120 F (49 C).
The lower temperature might have more to do with avoiding scalding than saving energy. Since 140 F can cause second- and third- degree burns in five seconds, lowering your water heater's temperature can protect you from both financial and physical pain.
Changing your water heater's thermostat should be a simple matter of turning a dial or entering a temperature. If you're unsure where your thermostat is located or how to read it, you can consult your owner's manual or talk to a licensed professional.
After adjusting your water heater, the Department of Energy recommends running a simple test, since the device's own reading can be inaccurate. Once you've made the change, open the hot water tap furthest from your water heater and measure the temperature with a thermometer. If it doesn't match your target temperature, go adjust the thermostat and try again in two hours.
The Department of Energy lists a few further considerations if you're shifting your water heater temperature.
Some dishwashers need water between 130 F and 140 F to operate optimally. So watch your dishwasher's performance after you shift the temperature. If your dishes aren't getting as clean, you may need to adjust it back.
There's also a small risk of water at 120 F growing Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' Disease. The Department of Energy calls it a small risk, but if you or someone you live with has a weaker immune system, you might want to raise the temperature a few degrees. The concern is generally for larger buildings, a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Recent guidance from the CDC says that setting your water heater at a higher temperature can kill more germs, but that the risk of scalding, especially for young children and elderly adults, needs to be carefully monitored.
Besides the thermostat, you should pay attention to your water heater's pipes and tank too. Insulating the tank and pipes can save heat during times you're not using hot water. You can also install low flow faucets and shower heads, which will reduce the amount of hot water you use without impacting your experience.
If you're unsure about making any of these improvements on your own, check with your utility. Utilities may offer home energy efficiency fixes for free or a discounted price. In some cases, someone from the utility will come and install insulation and new shower heads for free.
In addition to adjustments to your home's hot water infrastructure, you can adjust your habits. Taking shorter showers, washing laundry on a cold setting, showering instead of bathing and using a dishwasher can all save hot water.
Many water heaters have an expected life time of around 10 to 20 years. If you need to replace your water heater, look for an efficient one. You can start with Energy Star, which will help you find energy efficient Energy Star-certified water heaters and provides you with buying guides to decide on brand, energy source and type, like tankless or storage.
You'll have to balance the upfront costs of a water heater with the savings over time, but water heaters, like many appliances, typically have estimated energy costs disclosed before purchase.
An easy way to save money around the house -- sometimes up to hundreds of dollars per year -- is to lower your water heater's temperature and use less hot water. When it comes time to replace your water heater, energy efficient options can help and there are multiple models available to meet your needs.
After you've taken a look at your water heater, rethink your thermostat placement or consider solar energy.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Temperature Control Water Faucet.