5 WATER HEATER HACKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY!

Learn How Water Heater Maintenance Can Help You Save Money

There are many ways that you can reduce your water heater’s energy consumption. Why should I reduce my water heater’s energy consumption you may ask? One reason, is that it will reduce the amount of water and energy you consume. By consuming less energy and water you will save money on your water and energy bills. Water heating can account up to 18% of your total utility bill after heating and cooling according to the US Department of Energy. Depending on your home and appliances you might be able to save a few more dollars a month or up to hundreds of dollars a year with some simple solutions you can take at home. Here are 5 easy ways you can reduce your water heater‘s energy consumption and save yourself some money in the process as well.

1. Perhaps the most easiest way to reduce your water heater’s energy consumption is by using less hot water. The shower is one of the biggest users of hot water. Taking shorter showers, and turning off the water when you are applying soap are easy ways to reduce your hot water consumption. You can also wash your clothes with warm or cold water instead of using hot water. Cold water should be enough to rinse almost all kinds of clothes and can cut your hot water usage significantly. Use hot water in your washing machine only when it’s needed such as for really dirty loads or to help you remove stubborn stains from clothes.

2. Most hot water heaters are set to a standard setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can reduce the temperature on your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit without experiencing much difference during showers, when doing laundry or when turning on a faucet. Your water heater maintains a constant temperature throughout the day and night, so by reducing the temperature setting you will save money on heating costs. It is estimated that for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit you turn down on the water heater’s thermostat you can save up to 5% on heating costs.

3. If you are going away from home for an extended period of time such as on vacation you can shut your water heater completely off. Since you will not be home there is no need to have the hot water heater on and using energy to maintain a constant warm temperature. Just be sure that you turn the hot water back on when you arrive home, and remember that it will take some time usually about an hour or so for hot water to pipe throughout your home again. If freezing pipes are an issue you can turn the water heater to as low a temperature as possible to save money on energy while still preventing pipes from freezing.

4. Insulation is another simple and easy way to reduce your water heater’s energy consumption and save yourself money on energy costs. Check to see that your water heater is hot and look for any holes on insulation that may already be placed on the water heater. You can also install heat traps on the hot and cold pipes that are connected to the water heater to reduce heat loss. Adding insulation to about the first 5 or 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes that are connected to the water heater is a smart idea and will also reduce heat loss. Insulation will reduce heat loss and save money on your heater’s energy consumption. The better your hot water heater is insulated the better it will stay warm and the less energy it will use.

5. Consider getting a grey water recovery system installed in your home. Grey water is also called drain water. It is the water that is left over from showers, baths, washing clothes, using a dishwasher, and faucets. Grey water will have have a lot of energy left over that can be reused to preheat the water heater or water going to other appliances. A grey water recovery system can be particularly effective in larger homes where there will be more grey water which can be reused to preheat new water. A grey water recovery system will save you money be reusing existing energy to heat water throughout your home.

Looking for water heater services in the Los Angeles area? Call (805) 623-4417. today for quick and effective services from Fix It Fast Plumbing professionals.