Optimize Your Water Heater

Water heating accounts for 18% of your electric bill, second only to heating and cooling. Regular maintenance of your water heater can ensure a longer, more efficient life for your unit. Use the tips below to make certain your water heater is running safely and efficiently. 

Remove Sediment: Sand, minerals and other solids found in water can build up in your water heater which leads to less available water and less space for the transfer of heat to occur. Homeowners should drain a quarter of the tank at least once a year. Simply hook up a garden hose to the drain valve and run the water into a bucket until it is clear. 

Use a Water Heater Timer: By installing a timer, you can schedule the water heater to turn off in the middle of the night when there is no demand for hot water. If scheduled properly, your tank will have plenty of time to reheat before morning showers. This tool will cost around $30-60 and can save you $10-15 per month, depending on your usage. (44541001)

Insulate Your Tank: Insulating your storage water tank can reduce heat loss 25-45%, resulting in savings of up to 10% in water heating costs. You can find water heater insulation kits starting at $30 at most home repair stores. Be sure to consult your water heater manual before installing insulation. 

Remove Circulating Pumps: In most homes, you have to run the water for a few seconds before it gets hot. In order to combat this delay, homeowners install circulating pumps that provide immediate hot water, helping to reduce your water usage. However, circulating pumps that are not on a timer operate constantly. They typically use more energy pumping hot water through the pipes than the energy saved by reducing water waste. 

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• Tags:
• energy efficiency
• water heater

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