Water heating is the second biggest expense in the home, accounting for about 18% of your household’s energy use after heating and cooling, according to the United States Department of Energy. In winter, when there is greater demand for water heating, you can expect your electricity bill to go up even higher. Luckily, there are steps you can take to save on water heating costs during the cold winter months. Check them out below:
Insulate Your Water Heater Storage Tank.
If you are using a storage-tank water heater, check to see if it has quality insulation. A storage tank that is warm to the touch may need extra insulation. According to energy.gov, insulating your water tank can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs. If you do not know how to apply additional insulation to your water tank, do not hesitate to ask for help from the experts.
Run The Dishwasher Only On Full Load.
Taking the time to learn how to run your appliances efficiently will save you money on your monthly energy bills. When it comes to your dishwasher, running the appliance with a full load only can prevent 100 pounds of carbon pollution and save $40 on energy bills annually, as reported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Spend Less Time In The Shower.
Long hot showers sure feel good, especially in winter, but that could cause your water heating bill to skyrocket. If you want to conserve water and energy at home, you need to reduce your time in the shower. For daily bathing, stick with short showers. You can still have your warm long bath, but you need to cut it down to a few times a week.
Fix Leaks Immediately.
The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks, according to the U.S. EPA. To prevent good, clean water from going to waste, take the time to check for water leaks around your home. To know whether or not your water heater is leaking, inspect the top and bottom part of the heater for standing water. For an accurate diagnosis of a water heater leak, consult a licensed and experienced water heater technician.
Install A High-Efficiency Water Heater Unit.
Today, you can find newer, high efficient units in the market that allow you to have greater energy savings at home. A tankless water heater or demand-type water heater can help you save 27%–50% on energy costs if you install it at each hot water outlet. Compared to a storage-tank water heater that lasts 10-15 years, a tankless unit can last longer with a life expectancy of more than 20 years.
For your new tankless water heater installation at home, leave the job to top industry professionals. Installing the water heater unit on your own can put your family’s safety at risk and create bigger problems for your plumbing system. Additionally, working with a plumbing company will help you find the water heater model that will best answer your home’s water heating needs. What are you waiting for? Book a service today!
