10 Water Heater Tips to Save Energy and Money

This century is all about energy saving and energy efficiency. However, when it comes to energy conservation, water heaters have proven to be big losers. Mainly due to the fact that most homeowners still use the traditional storage-tank water heaters that do not “use” electricity but “drink” electricity.

So, if you have not yet shifted to electric tankless water heaters, here are the top ten ways you can adopt to keep your water heater from hogging the energy bills.

1.  Turn down the water heater’s thermostat

Most of the water heater manufacturers by default set the thermostat at 140°F, however, a typical household can comfortably use water at 120°F. Lower your thermostat to 120°F and then try taking a shower with the new temperature setting and see if you are comfortable.

This small change will bring huge changes to your electricity bills. In addition to reducing your energy costs, it will also slow down the corrosion of your water heater’s tank and its pipes.

2.  Insulate the water heater’s tank

A great way to prevent heat losses from the stored heated water is to insulate your water heater’s tank, regardless of whether your water heater is gas, oil, or electric powered. Your unit will have to do less work to maintain the water’s temperature.

However, thoroughly go through the manufacturer’s guide where details regarding covering the burner, thermostat, and other areas of water heaters are stated. In fact, it is a good idea to hire a local plumber and let him perform the insulation task.

3.  Place heat traps in your water heater tank

Heat traps are a smart idea to keep the hot water inside the unit while allowing the cold water to still enter for heating. Even though the latest water heaters have in-built water heat traps, however, if you are still using a traditional heating unity, then you will need to invest in heat traps separately.

Talk to your local plumber or water heater company to help you install heat traps in your heater. This will prevent heat losses.

4.  Try using cold water wherever possible

This may seem odd since we are talking about heating the water but it is smart to use cold water wherever possible such as for your laundry and rinsing. You will notice a great improvement in your energy bills. Besides, cold water is beneficial for health as well!

5.  Fix your leaking water taps

A faulty and dripping water faucet may seem like a minor problem, but you will be surprised to find out how much water it can waste in a short span of time. 10% of households have unnecessary water leaks that waste more than 90 gallons of water per day!

Check all the faucets in your home and hire a plumber to fix all the leaking ones immediately.

6.  Make sure you drain your water heater tank

A good practice is to drain your water heater tank at least once each year. Firstly, it drains out the build sediment inside which slows down the heating process, and secondly, it uses the energy efficiently reducing your energy bills.

This is a fairly easy process but you must follow the guide that comes with your water heater. Still f you feel skeptical, it is wise to call a water heater expert.

7.  Invest in a timer

The conventional water heater run throughout the day, especially during the winters. It is such a big waste of resources. A good way to tackle this is to install a timer with your water heater. This will not only help save energy but would increase the life of your water heater as well.

8. Do not forget to insulate the water pipes

While you are insulating the water heater tank, also insulate the water pipes, both hot and cold water pipes that run in and out of your water heater unit.

One main benefit of this is that any threat of a fire is eliminated while heat energy is conserved inside the water heater. Your unit does not have to do additional work to reheat the water at the time of use.

9. Time to change your old appliances

The washing machine and dishwater are the two appliances that use water. If either of these appliances is more than 8 to 10 years old, it is time you replace them with energy-efficient models.

The market has multiple appliance design options that efficiently use water helping you conserve water and energy both.

10. Get an energy-efficient water heater unit

Even after adopting all the tips and tricks, there will come a time when you will need to change your conventional spring tx water heater to an energy-efficient one. After all, the efficiency of the modern heater is priceless.

Water heaters are necessity nowadays they are used everywhere home office, markets, shops, schools, they are affordable and most important they are reliable efficient and easily adjust anywhere you want.