Water heaters play a very important role in everyday home living. Hot water is being used for many purposes, including cooking, bathing, cleaning, and space heating. With the colder temperatures in winter, you can expect an increase in your water heating demand, which also means higher energy bills to pay at the end of each month. To help you save on your water heating bill, follow these 6 effective water-saving tips:
Limit your time in the shower
Are you fond of taking long warm showers? That could be the reason why you are dealing with high energy costs every month. To help lower your water heating bill, you should limit your time in the shower to 5 to 10 minutes. You can still treat yourself to long warm showers or baths once or twice a week.
Replace faulty fixtures
Faulty plumbing fixtures, such as a leaky showerhead or faucet can waste gallons of clean, usable water. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, while a showerhead leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. Check for faulty plumbing fixtures in your household and replace them with newer, high efficiency models.
Lower your water heater temperature
A water heater temperature that is set too high can pose a safety hazard in your home. It would be ideal to set the temperature on your water heater to 120°F. According to the United States Department of Energy, you can save from 3% to 5% on your water heating costs for every 10ºF reduction in your water heater temperature.
Insulate your hot water tank
If you are using an older water heater model, check if the tank needs additional insulation. If your hot water tank is warm to the touch, you need to insulate it to avoid standby energy loss. Energy.gov claims that insulating your water tank can save you about 7% to 16% annually in your water heating bill.
Use your appliances efficiently
Wait to run your dishwasher and washing machine until you can wash a full load. Also, do not forget to use cold water for the rinse cycle. According to the EPA, running a dishwasher only when it is full can save you $40 in energy bills annually.
Schedule a water heater repair
Are you having problems with your water heater at home? A malfunctioning water heater will not only bring great inconvenience to your household but will also cost you a lot of money on your monthly energy bill. Here are the telltale signs you need to call a heater repair:
- Rusty water is coming out of the hot water tap.
- Your heater is not producing enough hot water.
- Your heater makes strange, loud noises.
- There are water leaks around the unit.
If you notice any of these warning signs, do not hesitate to call for a professional water heater repair right away. Fixing the water heater problem before it gets worse can help you save money. Call your trusted local plumbers to get quality consultations and estimates today!
Infographic Provided By Solar Panel Installation Company, Sunburst Solar