Simple Tricks To Improve Water Heater Efficiency
Everyone likes saving money, right? When it comes to reducing your utilities bill, many folks go to extremes to save energy on small items while completely missing the lowest hanging fruit. For example, plenty of people go to the trouble of unplugging all their appliances when not in use so they don’t waste energy from the indicator lights.
While it’s certainly true that many small savings can add up quickly, it makes the most sense to first put forth your effort toward the largest energy consuming appliances in your household before going to the pain of unplugging your television after every use.
Today I will identify the best ways to improve the efficiency of every household’s biggest energy guzzlers. If you just make a few of the changes listed below, you will certainly see a positive impact on your next energy bill.
Energy Saver Mode
Most water heaters sold today have automatic functions built-in that can help you save on energy. For example, a feature that has become popular on newer water heaters tracks the timing of the household usage of hot water. If you typically take showers in the morning, it begins to remember your shower schedule to have the water at the correct temperature for when you need it. During your less active time, it will lower the tank’s water temperature and therefore use less energy.
Lower Water Temperature
How often do you actually need scalding hot water? If you don’t typically need intensely hot water, a great way of reducing your energy bill is to reduce the thermostat temperature on your water heater. Simply check your water heater’s user manual to correctly adjust your water heater to a lower temperature. In most cases you won’t even detect a difference in the water temperature at your faucet.
Water Heater Blanket
Most heat from a water heater escapes without ever getting used. A good way of keeping the heat inside your heater is with a water heater blanket. These are special blankets made from heavy heat resistant insulation and are designed to fit securely around your water heater like a coat or a blanket.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Large amounts of heat is lost from your water as it makes the journey from the water heater through your pipes to your faucet or appliance. If you have access to your hot water pipes in a wall or crawlspace, you can wrap your pipes with insulation to maximize the efficiency throughout your whole system.
Drain Water Heater Sediment
Over time, sediment from water or rust from the heater itself can build up inside your water heater. Many homeowners periodically drain their water heater in order to evacuate any sediment that resides inside the heater. By getting rid of the extra foreign material in your water heater, it allows your heater to operate more efficiently.
Turn Water Heater Off During Extended Leaves
Many folks already turn off the water main valve to their home when they go on vacation, but what about the water heater? Since you’re not there to use hot water, it’s a good idea to turn off your water heater to avoid the additional expense of heating water that nobody is using.
Increase Ambient Temperature
If possible, locate your water heater near an interior wall or climate controlled area in your house. Think about it... if your water heater is in a non air-conditioned garage, it’s having to work extra hard at night or in the winter when the temperature drops.
Decrease Hot Water Usage
Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning the idea of reducing your overall hot water consumption. If you have an energy efficient washing machine and dishwasher and limit your shower time, it will likely be your fastest and most effective route to hot water heater energy savings.
Since we're on the topic of water heaters, check out product, Steady-Rod. It can increase the life and efficiency of your water heater while also getting rid of nasty hot water smells!
Interested in more tips for your household appliances? Check out our article on how to properly load a washing machine.