If you’re wanting to lower the energy costs for your home, your water heater might be the first place to look. With our water heater energy saving tips, you can improve the efficiency of your home’s water heater and save extra money every month. You’ll be surprised by the significant difference you see in your utility bills.
Water Heater Energy-Saving Tips
Lower Water Heater Temperature to 120° Fahrenheit
Higher temperatures can cause higher energy bills, more mineral buildup, burning and scalding. If your thermostat doesn’t have numbers, position it midway between the “low” and “medium” settings. Wait a day, then measure the temperature of your hot water at the faucet furthest away from the water heater.
Make any adjustments as necessary.
Here’s how to ensure you get 120 degrees:
First measure to see what temperature your water is at now. Don’t trust the thermostat. They are often inaccurate. Instead, use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the hot water at the faucet farthest away from the heater.
To remember this setting, mark that temperature on your thermostat.
Now turn down the thermostat to what you think will be 120 degrees, based on your earlier measurement.
Wait at least 2 hours. Measure the water temperature again at the same far-away faucet. It may take a few attempts to get it right.
Once it’s right, mark that spot on your thermostat so you’ll remember it.
Insulate Water Heater and Water Pipes
Water heater insulation blankets and foam sleeves for your water pipes are a cheap way to save a lot of money on your energy bills. All water heater tanks should come with an R-value, which tells you how insulated the tank is. The higher the R-number, the better the insulation. The lower the R-number, the more you need insulation. Contact a professional plumber to discuss your water heater and plumbing insulation options.
Conserve Hot Water
Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient, helping you to conserve the most water possible. Even if you have a tankless water heater currently, there are still more ways to save on water. One way includes the installation of low flow faucets and fixtures. These offer an average of 60% water savings by reducing the flow rate. If your appliances are older than it may just be time to upgrade and replace them with modern, energy-efficient models.
Replace Sacrificial Anode Rod Every 3-5 years
One of the main things your professional plumber will check during your annual inspection is the water heater anode rod. The sacrificial anode rod is placed in the water tank in order to protect the steel tank. Since the anode rod has a more negative electrochemical potential than steel, it sacrifices itself by corroding instead of the other metal elements in the water heater.
Eventually, anode rods need to be replaced. If the anode rod completely deteriorates, your tank is vulnerable to the damaging effects of rust and corrosion.
While anode rods typically last around 3-5 years, it depends on multiple factors. To be safe, schedule professional plumbing maintenance every year.
Schedule Annual Professional Plumbing Inspections
Scheduling annual plumbing inspections by a professional plumbing company is the sure fire way to support the health and longevity of your plumbing system. A professional plumbing inspection includes a comprehensive overview of your home’s plumbing safety.
From drains to pipes to fixtures, a professional plumber will check it all. Ensure there are no costly leaks or signs of corrosion. By keeping tabs on your plumbing system’s performance, you will prevent repairs and premature replacements services. Professional plumbing inspections keeps your system tight, and therefore assist in reducing your overall energy costs and water usage.
Reduce energy costs and emissions by paying attention to amount of water use in your home and the settings of your water heater.
For more information on energy savings and expert plumbing advice anytime, contact OnTime Service, serving the Birmingham area since 1975.