Hot water is a utility that is continuously used in the household. We use it during cooking and bathing. Our appliances, particularly dishwashers, need hot water. It can practically be considered a necessity in the home.
However, hot water comes with high utility bills. It can strain one’s budget, especially if they don’t have much room for extra expenses. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your water heater’s energy consumption as you use it around the house. For example, First Choice Power to Go offers fixed-rate plans with locked-in rates and bills that are more predictable regardless of how much you spend.
Let’s explore the various ways you can make your water heater more energy-efficient.
Maintain It Properly
A faulty water heater consumes more energy compared to a normal one when doing the same task. Maintain your water heater properly not only to minimize its energy usage but also to prolong your water heater’s lifespan.
If you’re using a tank water heater, flush it out at least once a year. This will reduce tank sediment and rust buildup – the common reasons that heaters break down. You should also test your temperature and pressure release valve to ensure that it will work in case of emergencies.
Know the signs of your water heater breaking down. Discolored water means your water tank is rusty. Be alert for any leaks since it means the tank is damaged. Trying to repair it yourself causes future issues, so call for water heater repair services in Salt Lake City or other nearby areas instead.
Maximize Insulation
If your water tank isn’t properly insulated, it tends to lose heat over time. This is a waste of energy because your heater will need to work to reheat the water again. Check your tank’s insulation by touching the surface. If it is warm, it will require additional insulation.
Use an insulation blanket to supplement your tank’s heat-storing capabilities. Installation is simple, as you just need to wrap the blanket securely around your tank. Make sure to cut out holes for the heating elements or, in the case of gas heaters, the burner vents.
When the water is not hot enough, we tend to increase the water heater thermostat. However, that consumes more energy. Consider insulating your water supply pipes instead. It has the added benefit of keeping your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Use Less Water
You might have habits that are wasting water. Something as simple as turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth will save you a lot of costs in the future. Be more mindful of your water usage and save more water with these pointers.
Upgrade your fixtures to be water-efficient. Some showerheads can cover more surface area when rinsing but use minimal water. Toilets can also be upgraded to flush waste with less water.
Maximize the use of water as much as you can. Instead of running the tap, consider using washbasins to rinse your dishes. The last batch of water that you rinsed with shouldn’t be as cloudy, so you can use it to water your plants.
Replace Your Water Heater
Sometimes your model might be too old. It will end up consuming a lot of energy, no matter how much you repair or insulate it. Consider replacing your water heater with newer models, which not only are energy efficient but also have better insulation.
Develop a habit of monitoring your water heater and being as water-efficient as possible. This will undoubtedly keep your utility bills as low as possible.