The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that the water heater in your home accounts for around 18% of your total energy bill. While this isn’t surprising, given that hot water is an essential component in our everyday lives, there are a number of water heater tips you can follow to save as much money as possible.
1. Drain Your Water Heater Every Year or So
Sediments that build up in your water heater over time can impede heat transfer and eventually lower the efficiency of your water heater. For this reason, you should remember to drain the tank at least every year to remove these sediments.
Although draining the tank is a fairly straightforward process, there are some manufacturer’s directions you need to follow to avoid damaging your water heater. If you are unsure how to go about the whole process, contact a local plumber for help.
2. Insulate the Storage Tank and Pipes
Whether you have a natural gas, oil, or electric storage tank, consider insulating it to reduce heat loss. When you minimize heat loss, you prevent the water heater from turning on frequently. This, in turn, helps reduce the electric bill in your home.
You should also remember to add insulation to the pipes, and the best way to do this is to insulate the first six feet of both the cold and hot water pipes. Experts highly recommend you insulate pipes because it helps conserve heat and prevents hazards. This prevents the water heater from working too hard to reheat the water.
3. Replace Your Water Heater With a Tankless Unit
If your water heater has been serving you for 10+ years, it may be time to replace it with a more modern unit – a tankless water heater. According to a report released by the EPA, a tankless water heater is 34% more efficient if you use a maximum of 41 gal. of hot water daily. If you use 86 gal. of hot water daily, the tankless water heater is 14% more efficient.
An old water heater may be inefficient in several ways due to worn-out or damaged components. Besides, it can lead to massive damage if it bursts or leaks. The next time your decade-old water heater breaks down, call a plumber to help you replace it with a tankless unit. You must know that a tankless water heater is costlier than a standard unit. However, it eventually pays for itself.
Other water heater tips you can consider to save money include:
- Using cold water for most laundry loads
- Repairing leaky faucets
- Lowering the thermostat
- Installing heat traps and a timer
In conclusion, the above practical tips can help make your water heater more energy efficient and save you money in the long run. If you are in Joplin, MO, and you are looking for quality water heater services, contact Upland Services today.
