It is a fact that the annual energy costs for a typical U.S. home are $1,464 About 20% of that cost is attributable to your water heater. Having a water heater that uses less energy is a surefire way to cut costs over time.
If you want to save reasonable money each month, here are some water heater tips for saving money.
Water Heater Money Saving Tips With No Cost
You may cut costs without breaking the bank on a brand-new energy-saving water heater (though doing so can help). Sometimes you might need to repair your water heater to save energy.
In order to improve the efficiency of your present water heater, you can do the following:
1. Use a Water Heater at a Low Temperature
The temperature setting on your water heater is one of the easiest and simplest methods to increase its efficiency. Many people use their water heaters at too high temperatures, which is wasteful of electricity and perhaps harmful.
Consumer Product Safety Commission and Energy Department, both recommend keeping water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Take a Shower Instead of a Bathtub
Taking a bath is a great way to unwind, but it wastes a lot of water. A 10-minute shower uses roughly 25 gallons of water, compared to the 50 gallons used by a full bath.
Hence, if you want to conserve money and energy, you should use the shower rather than the bath.
3. Wash clothes in cold water
In case you didn’t know, you can wash the vast majority of your garments in cold water without damaging them. Darker colors and fabrics are more susceptible to fading, so it’s best to avoid washing them in hot water altogether.
If you wash your clothes in cold water, you can reduce your utility bills every time.
4. Stop Pre-Rinsing Dishes
Dishwashers are fantastic time-saving devices that should be used frequently. Many people still use the time-honored practice of hand-washing their dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
It’s usually unnecessary and a waste of resources to do so. To make use of a dishwasher, simply scrape the dishes before loading them.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips at Low Cost
Aside from the aforementioned measures, there are a few inexpensive investments you can make to prolong the life of the water heater and ensure it continues to function effectively.
The efficiency of a water heater decreases with time. When a part fails, you need to replace it. When sediment settles at the bottom of the tank, it might cause issues.
That’s why regular maintenance of your water heater is so crucial to its long life and efficient operation. Reduce your water heater’s operating costs with these easily implemented maintenance procedures:
1. Drain Water Heater Tank
The hazardous silt that reduces your water heater’s effectiveness can be removed by draining the tank once a year. It’s not hard to do, but you should always check the manual just in case.
When it comes time to maintain your water heater, consult a professional if you have any doubts or inquiries. Not only will they remove the water from the tank, but they will also check the water heater for any issues and optimize its performance.
2. Water Heater Repair For Leaks
A lot of money is lost due to leaks. If your washbasin or showerhead is dripping, get it fixed right away. You can save hundreds of gallons of hot water every month if you repair the leaking taps or water heater tank.
If your water heater or hot water pipes are damaged or leaking from somewhere, they can cause big damage to your house. So, get your water heater repaired as first priority.
3. Insulate Pipes and Water Heater Tank
Water heater efficiency can be increased by insulating the water storage tank and any exposed lines that carry hot water to fixtures.
Insulate your water heater with a blanket and your pipes with pipe wrap, both of which can be found at any hardware shop.
DIY insulation uses materials you might already have in your house, such as old towels or blankets (though they aren’t as efficient at trapping heat). Keep insulation far from the chimney’s flue and the stove’s pilot light.
4. Install Water Saving Showerheads
To conserve water and money without reducing your shower’s intensity, try installing a low-flow showerhead. These special water-saving showerheads will save a lot of water in a month, hence you will be able to reduce your electricity bill.
5. Use Energy Efficient Water Heater
As most water heaters only survive between 6 and 12 years, replacing an aging unit with a newer, more efficient one is a good idea. Many utility providers reimburse customers for purchasing energy-efficient water heaters, making them more affordable to upgrade.
