The Energy Water Heaters Use

Besides air conditioners and central heating systems, the water heaters are the next system that accounts for around twenty-five percent of your monthly utility bills. Therefore every effort should be made to conserve as much energy as possible.

The ways you can do so are:

The first act that you should do is try and adapt activities that reduce energy consumption, where the work can be done without the use of hot water. You can save 30 gallons of water per load if you use cold water instead of hot water in the washer. Same with the dishwasher; if you wash dishes by hand, you can do so with 4 gallons instead of 12 gallons.

Approximately 20 to 30 gallons of hot water is used for bathing or showering; if you shower self-indulgently. Here is scope for you to reduce water consumption by installing water-saving devices like an aerating, low-flow showerhead. You can achieve a saving of around 10 gallons of hot water here.

Leaky faucets are another menace that drains out a lot of water. We generally don’t give much importance to hot water taps leaking and tend to overlook its implications. But you should be aware that more than 5 gallons of hot water could drain each day even if the faucet drips one drop per second. Check our leaking repair services for more information.

The default temperature setting of the water heater from the factory is 120 degrees F. This is supposed to be enough to provide you with the required hot water. But in order to save energy if you slightly reduce the temperature, the difference will not be perceptible, and you will be able to manage with the temperature and save some money as well.

You can insulate your water heater to avoid standby energy loss. Insulation too should be done with care, keeping the thermostat uncovered. You can also insulate the exposed portion of the pipes that are connected to the heaters and if possible install heat traps.

The next important activity that you need to undertake is the maintenance of the water heating system. Over time water heater builds up sediment which affects the performance of the heater. Using a few gallons of water, you have to flush out the sediment at least once in three months.

The lifespan of most of the water heaters are around 10 to 15 years, but it begins to deteriorate from the seventh year. With the advice of a professional, you have to determine the condition and hunt for a new water heater. Look for an energy efficient one; these may cost more initially, but in the long run, it will save enough energy to pay for itself.

Solar water heaters are the most energy efficient, followed by the tankless water heaters, followed by conventional storage tank units. Efficiency can be further enhanced by choosing the natural gas heaters over the electric ones. You can save thirty percent of your water heating costs if you care to install a water heater waste recovery system. Now that you have enough knowledge on how to save energy; go ahead and do it.