Your water heater eats energy! We want to reduce its appetite. Water heating typically accounts to the second largest energy expense in your home at about 18% of your utility bill. Here are inexpensive things you can do to increase efficiency and cut energy bills.
1. Pro-actively Shop Before It Breaks or Leaks.
Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it’s best to start shopping now, for a new one, if yours is more than 7 years old. Doing some research before your heater fails will enable you to select one that most appropriately meets your needs.
2. Leaking Water Heaters Can’t Be Fixed.
If your water heater is leaking it needs to be replaced. You’re not going to fix it and it is wasting water. A George Brazil plumbing technician can install a new water heater at your home and begin your savings today!
3. Reduce Water Consumption Around the Home.
A family of four uses 700 gallons of hot water per week. Have low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators installed in your home to cut hot water consumption by 25% – 60%, according to the U.S. EPA.
4. Let Modern Appliances Do The Work.
Make sure you use the “economy” setting on your dishwasher, and break the pre-washing habit. Modern dishwashers can handle a dirty dish, minus the table scraps.
5. Turn Down Water Heater Temperature Settings.
For every 10 degrees you turn your water heater temperature settings down, you’ll save about 3% – 5% on your bill. A setting at 120 – 140 degrees is hot enough. Just don’t go below 120 degrees, which could lead to bacteria growth inside the tank.
6. Maintenance With A Water Heater Flush.
Water heater tanks naturally build up sediment, which reduces efficiency. Call to schedule a George Brazil water heater inspection and sediment drain/flush for your water heater tank at least once a year to ensure a maintained efficiency and a healthy water heater.
7. Upgrade to Energy Saving Appliances!
Look for the water-saving ENERGY STAR appliances when shopping for new clothes machines, dishwashers and water heaters.
8. Leaking Faucets and Pipes.
It is important to stop all leaking water in your faucets, pipes and showerheads. Each drop that leaks is one more drop your water heater must reheat.
9. Water Heaters of All Kinds.
If you are shopping for a new water heater but unsure, contact George Brazil for a consultation. Depending on your home’s size and number of occupants, we can recommend the right solution for you! We repair and install water heaters of all types, sizes, and brands: Traditional Gas and Electric or Solar… you name it – we’ve got it!
