Homeowners are always searching for the best ways to reduce their energy costs. They know that by reducing their energy use, they can keep their hard earned money in the bank. Water heating accounts for 12% of your total energy bills. Therefore, knowing how to minimize your water heating can really make an impact.
Robinson Plumbing offers superior plumbing services that can help reduce your water heating bills. Not only can we help lower your energy costs, but we can also implement the most effective methods in your home to minimize your water use. By using less water, you have to pay less on your water bill. You would be surprised at how much money you can save by lowing your water heating expenses and reducing your water use.
The team of experienced plumbers at Robinson Plumbing can install a tankless water heater, install water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and much more. We can also find hidden leaks that you may be unaware of. We can use the most effective strategies to make your home a more environmentally friendly place. Call today to schedule a free estimate.
Below, we have outlined some easy techniques that you can use to reduce your water heating costs.
Top Ways To Reduce Your Water Heating Costs
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Turn Down Your Tank’s Thermostat
Did you know that for every ten degrees that you turn your thermostat down, you reduce three to five percent off your bill? Your water heater is preset to 140 degrees. We recommend that you turn it down to 120 degrees instead.
To ensure that the water is at 120 degrees, you will need a thermometer. Thermostats are often inaccurate. First, go to the faucet that is farthest from your water heater. Take its temperature. Then lower down the thermostat to what you think is close to 120 degrees. Wait a couple of hours before you measure the water from the same faucet again.
You might need to do this a few times before getting the correct temperature. However, once you do this, it’ll surely benefit you and your wallet. Remember that once you reach 120 degrees, mark your water heater’s thermostat. Doing this will give you a good reference point.
Use Less Hot Water
Laundry
There are a few ways to use less hot water. One of them is to wash your clothes using cold water. Using hot water in your washing machine can take up to 90% of its operating costs – something you can eliminate when you use cold water. For those clothes you need to wash in hot water, you can opt to use warm water instead. Doing this will cut the costs in half but still work as well as hot water.
Turn Off The Water When Not In Use
Another method is not to let the water run when you are using it. For example, turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Leaving it running for even a few seconds a day will eventually add up to a lot of wasted water and an even bigger bill. Also, be sure to fix any leaks that you have to further reduce your costs.
Dishwasher
Use your dishwasher only when it’s full. Your dishwasher uses the same amount of energy regardless of whether it’s a small or full load. By reducing the number of times that you use it, you increase its lifespan while saving on water heating costs. Remember to use the economy setting in your dishwasher too!
Overall, you will need to examine your daily routine to assess just how much hot water you are using. By evaluating your water heating use, you can cut back on all the times that you use hot water and don’t need to. Being cognizant goes a long way!
Check Bathing Habits
Do you or your family like taking long, hot baths everyday? If so, then you might want to re-evaluate this habit if you’re going to save more money. A bath, even if you do not fill it to the top, still uses a lot of water, especially for large bathtubs. You might want to cut back on this luxury and have short hot showers instead.
And now that we’re on the topic of showers, you should also consider installing low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Showerheads and faucets manufactured before 1992 tend to use more water than modern ones. By replacing them, you’ll cut your hot water consumption by 20-60% and save on your water bill too.
Drain The Sediment In Your Water Heater
Sediments naturally build up at the bottom of your water heating tanks. This accumulation reduces your tank’s efficiency as the sediment makes your tank work harder.
When you have sediment on the bottom of your water heater’s tank, it leads to a more significant bill and shorter water heater lifespan.
You need to drain your tank once or twice a year. Contact your local licensed plumber to drain your tank adequately.
Install A Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater is one of the best ways to reduce your water heating costs. It offers some of the most significant benefits, especially when it comes to the reduction of energy consumption.
A traditional water heater usually works by continually heating water. A tankless water heater is an on-demand system that works when you turn on a faucet or the shower. It only works when you need it. This aspect is the major difference between a tankless water heater vs a tank water heater. By eliminating standby heat loss, you can decrease your water heating costs. Cold water passes through the pipe into the unit where either gas or an electric element heats the water. The manner in which it heats your water depends on if it is a gas tankless water heater or an electric tankless water heater.
This means you’ll get to enjoy having an unlimited supply of hot water. Not to mention a tankless water heater won’t take up floor space. It is significantly smaller in size, and it gets mounted on the wall. Furthermore, a tankless water heater lasts longer and even comes with an extended warranty. Be sure to read tankless water heater reviews to find out more.
If you have any questions about installing a tankless water heater or if want to know tankless water heater pros and cons, don’t hesitate to contact your local plumber. A reputable plumber in your area can help you find the best methods to reduce your water heating costs in your home.
Contact Robinson Plumbing For Tankless Water Heater Installations & Other Plumbing Services
Robinson Plumbing offers fast, affordable, and friendly plumbing services. You can count on us to deliver superior services to your home or business. Our team of licensed and experienced plumbers will do a great job, properly diagnosing any issues and fixing them effectively. All of our work is completed with your satisfaction in mind.
For those unexpected situations, we also offer 24-hour plumbing services. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We will gladly take the time to answer any questions that you may have. We offer, free, in-home consultations.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!