5 Tips to Save on Water Heating Bill

Save on Water Heating Bill – Heating water for your faucets, showers and appliances can consume up to 20% of your home’s energy? That’s a huge slice of any homeowner’s budget. The good news is that you can reduce your utility bill and cut down your energy use with some relatively simple tips.

#1: Energy-efficient water heaters can save you money

The easiest place to start is by choosing an energy-efficient water heater. Water heaters that use less energy cost less to operate, so if you’re in the market for a new water heater, remember to factor in those savings.

#2: Replace your faucets and shower heads

When you use less water, there’s less water to heat. So install aerating, low-flow faucets and shower heads in your kitchens and bathrooms. They’ll cut down on water use – and your energy bill. Keep an eye out for leaky faucets because they can waste gallons of water in a short period of time. One drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water per year, according to the Department of Energy.

#3: Inspect your pipes for insulation

Adding insulation around piping can minimize heat loss. Insulate at least the first six feet of the hot and cold water pipes that connect to your water heater.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on insulation.

#4: Check your thermostat settings

Consider setting the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will provide comfortable hot water for most uses, and save you money in the long run.

#5: Keep a well maintained system

Drain out a couple gallons of water from your water tank every couple of months; this will remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. The manufacturer’s always has directions on how to drain the water heater safely.

For information only. This information is more applicable in colder climate regions and less applicable in warmer climate regions.