7 Tips to Make Your Water Heater Function More Efficiently
Water heaters account for almost 17% of the energy used in homes. This means that if you are not using your water heater efficiently it could be costing you a lot of money on your energy bills. Here are seven tips to make your water heater function more efficiently.
1. Turn Down Your Thermostat
The first thing that you can do to reduce the operating point is lower the temperature setting on your thermostat. For example, if your water heater is set at 120 degrees, turn it down to 110 degrees. This will decrease the amount of energy lost to heat transfer and make your water heater operate more efficiently. It’s also safer for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin.
2. Check the Thermostat Battery
The thermostat on your water heater is designed to turn off automatically when it reaches a certain temperature. However, if it isn’t receiving enough power from the thermostat batteries or if the batteries are too old, they may not shut off properly. Your thermostat may signal that it’s too hot for your water heater but not tell it to shut off. This can leave your water heater running at full speed for hours, wasting energy and money. Replace or recharge your thermostat batteries as necessary to prevent this from happening.
3. Buy a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are very efficient and can save you a lot of money. However, they can be significantly more expensive than conventional tank water heaters. They also require a new installation if you want to move them from one location to another. If you decide to purchase a tankless water heater, make sure that it’s installed by an expert who knows how to do it correctly.
4. Run the Water Heater Dry When Not in Use
Failing to run your water heater dry wastes energy and money because it allows the water heater to continue heating until it reaches its operating point. The longer the water heater is left on, the more energy is wasted as heat transfer increases efficiency over time. Therefore, if you have a conventional tank-style water heater, run it dry when not in use and turn it off when no longer needed. For example, if you’re not planning to shower or wash laundry or dishes, then your water heater should be turned off.
5. Install an Energy-efficient Faucet and Shower Combo
Installing an energy-efficient faucet can reduce the amount of hot water that your shower uses and make your shower run more efficiently. It can also increase the efficiency of your heating system because it uses less hot water to get the same temperature as compared to a traditional faucet that uses copious amounts of hot water for each shower. For example, installing a high-efficiency faucet will allow you to use less hot water than a conventional faucet. This can save you money, especially when using your shower more often than normal.
6. Replace Old Water Heating Pipes
Old piping can corrode, causing them to leak, which means the piping system isn’t as efficient as it used to be. If you’re noticing that your water is leaking from your pipes or if there are any puddles on the floor of your basement, replace the old piping and fill in any holes that have formed from old pipe leaks. This will help prevent future issues with leaking pipes and make the water heater more efficient because there is less water wasted from leaks and puddles on the floor.
7. Insulate Your Pipes and Water Tanks
Insulating your pipes and water tanks will help them operate more efficiently and prevent freezing in the winter. If you have an older water heater, you may want to consider purchasing an insulation kit to help prevent heat loss. Also, to ensure your pipes aren’t leaking, you should insulate them with foam or pipe insulation tape.
If you’re looking to make your home more energy-efficient, there are a few simple things you can do to start. By using a few of these tips and tricks, your home’s water heater and other appliances can operate more efficiently. Contact our experts at Price’s Plumbing in Laurel Township today to help you save money on your electric bill by calling (856) 325-9719 or emailing pricesplumbing@gmail.com.