Keeping the water warm in the household is a significant expense, typically about 13% of the average utility bill. Anyone who has ever taken a cold shower knows that the value of warm water goes far beyond money. The following tips will help you to save money on your water heating bill.
1. Lower your thermostat setting on your hot water heater. 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient for most home uses.
2. Take showers instead of baths.
3. Insulate your water heater, but take care not to cover the top or bottom of the tank, the thermostat, or the burner compartment on a gas water heater. Also, consider insulating the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
4. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads.
5. Repair leaky faucets.
6. Drain a quart of water from you water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that will hurt the energy efficiency of your water heater.
7. If your water heater is more than 7 years old, consider a replacement. Be sure to buy an energy-efficient replacement model. Consider a natural gas on demand or tankless water heaters. Research has shown that savings of up to 30% in energy savings can be achieved with these units.
8. If you need to replace your clothes washer or dishwasher, consider buying an efficient, ENERGY STAR model to reduce hot water use and provide energy savings
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