Saving energy is a great way to save money and be more environmentally conscious. But did you know that your water heater is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home? Water heaters are a major source of energy use in the home, and water heaters cost about 20% of all energy used in American homes.
That’s why saving energy in your water heater is so important!
Tips For Using Water Heaters to Save Energy
1. Insulate Your Water Heater for Energy Saving
If your traditional water heater tank is not insulated, you should consider doing so. The Department of Energy estimates that insulating your water heater could help you save between $8 and $45 per year. This is a simple project that can be done in less than an hour. The most common material used to insulate water heaters is fiberglass or foam insulation. You can find these materials at any home improvement store.
2. Set Your Water Heater Temperature Lower
Use warm water only when you need to. One of the best water heater energy-saving tips is to set your thermostat to the recommended standard temperature by DOE of 120°F. You’ll save total energy costs by 3-5% by lowering your water temperature to 10 degrees! If have a faulty thermostat, or your unit does not display temperature, use a thermometer to set your preferred temperature.
3. Use Cold Water for Showers and Dishwashing
Or use less water that is hot. Another energy-saving tip is by using cold water for showering, especially if you take shorter showers. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, you can save money on your water use as much as $30 per year in electricity costs just by turning the temperature of your water heater down to 10 degrees.
- You should also avoid running your dishwasher until it is full and use the cold water setting to conserve energy.
- When washing clothes, only wash full loads with cold water and wash them on the shortest cycle possible.
This way, you can manage your hot water consumption and save more money on your electric bills.
4. Fix Leaks
Efficiency and conservation are two top priorities for all homeowners. Both conscious efforts can save you money and reduce your environmental impact in terms of energy consumption. A leaky water supply line or toilet can waste hundreds of gallons over time, costing you real dollars—and raising the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Fixing leaks is an easy way to put some green back in your personal economy.
You can save a tremendous amount of electricity simply by stopping leaks in your home. If you suspect that you leak, check around the faucets and toilets to see if water is running out when it shouldn’t. Some leaks are easy to fix and don’t require professional help before you start saving energy. By simply checking it, you can save on your water!
5. Don’t Overfill Your Water Storage Tank
Your hot water tank has a fill line. Don’t overfill it, as this can lead to damage to your water heater and a possible leak. Overfilling gallons of water in your tank is one of the main causes of premature failure. If you have too much water in your tank, the pressure and heat can cause the unit to fail.
Keep your unit maintained. You should always have your water heater serviced regularly by someone who knows what they’re doing. If you don’t keep up with maintenance, there’s a good chance that something will break down and start leaking water. Regular maintenance will ensure that everything stays in proper working order.
6. Only Run the Water Heating Tank When It’s Full
We all knew this tip would be on the list, but it’s one of the better ways to start getting some energy savings. Save Energy by having a full water tank. The more space a tank has to absorb heat, the less time it takes for the water to warm up in the first place. If your tank is half empty and you need hot water, the heater will have to work that much harder. Heating an apartment when it’s not filled makes no sense!
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home, chances are it came with a non-programmable thermostat. These thermostats operate on a simple 24-hour clock, meaning that they turn on and off at the same time every day, regardless of whether anyone is home or not.
A programmable thermostat, on the other hand, can be programmed to turn on and off at different times throughout the day, which can be a way to cut a significant amount of money on your energy bill. Follow these steps to install your new thermostat:
- Turn off the power to your furnace or air conditioner at the breaker box.
- Remove the old thermostat, taking note of which wires are connected to which terminals.
- Install the new thermostat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure to connect the wires to the correct terminals.
- Turn on the power to your furnace or air conditioner and test the new thermostat to make sure it is working properly.
8. Utilize a Tankless Water Heater
If you’re considering switching to a tankless water heater, there are a few things you should know before installation. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so they’re much more energy-efficient than traditional storage water heaters. They’re also smaller and take up less space. Before you install your new tankless water heater, make sure that the water pipes, gas line, and electrical circuit are properly sized.
You’ll also need to install a ventilated exhaust system. Once everything is in place, follow the instructions that come with your tankless water heater to complete the installation.
9. Choose Energy Efficient Water Heater
If you want to save money on your utility bills, invest in an energy-efficient water heater. These appliances are designed to use less energy from heating elements while providing hot water for your home. Check the energy star of the new water heater that you are about to buy! There are many different types and models of energy-efficient tank water heaters on the market, so make sure to do your research before purchasing one.
10. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill. Solar panels can be installed on your roof or in your yard, and they use the sun’s energy to generate electricity that can be used on your electric water heater. Solar panels are a great investment for your home, and they’re also good for the environment.
Why Saving Energy is Important
Saving energy is important for several reasons. First, it can help save money on your water heating costs, and energy bills. Second, it can help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Third, it can help conserve resources like oil and gas. Finally, saving energy can help improve the efficiency of systems and processes, leading to even more savings in the long run.
Use less hot water as you could. Start Saving Energy Today!