Insights From A Plumbing Company Regarding Improving Water Heater Efficiency In Your Home | Knoxville, TN
You rely on your water for almost everything in your home – from washing hands and dishes to laundry and showering. And while modern households enjoy all these water-heating conveniences, they come at a cost. Water heaters are among the largest energy-consuming appliances. Water heating accounts for nearly 20 percent of your total utility bill.
There’s a desperate need for improved home efficiency now than ever before, with homeowners trying all they can to lower home energy use. So, if you want to reduce energy costs, your water heating system is the best place to start.
Are you wondering how you can make your water heater more energy efficient? No worries. Whether it’s a gas or electric water heater, this article will help you discover a few of the best industry tips you can consider to help reduce your energy bills and lead an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Use Less Hot Water
Honestly, this is a no-brainer. You can easily cut your water heating costs by using less hot water. Also, be sure to use the energy-efficient setting on that dishwasher, and if you can, avoid the pre-washing habit since modern dishwashing units are better equipped to handle a dirty dish. Just scrape off the leftovers into the trash bin and then load.
Insulate Your Water Tank
Adding an extra layer of insulation to your water heater’s tank is a great way to save energy in your home.
If your water heater is in an unheated space like the basement, a considerable amount of heat is lost as the heated water travels from the equipment to the point of use. But before insulating your water heater, seek guidance from a certified plumbing company.
Turn Down the Temperature on Your Water Heater’s Thermostat
Just like you would do with your air conditioner during summertime, setting a lower temperature on your water heater’s thermostat could tremendously impact your energy bill.
Typically, water heaters come with a factory preset of 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. But this isn’t necessary as this temperature is way too warm for human skin.
A temperature setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is just enough to ensure hot water in most households. After all, the average shower temperature is set at 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, setting your thermostat at the standard 120 will provide adequate heat.
Lowering your water heater’s temperature by just 10 degrees can save three to five percent on your water bill. If your thermostat isn’t working, contact a plumbing company for help.
Ensure You’re Using the Right-Sized Water Heater
Some homeowners think investing in a smaller water heater can lower their energy use, but they could be wrong. Why? Depending on the number of people in your home, a small-sized water heater will most likely be overworked as it tries to keep up with the hot water requirements in the home.
Again, because they heat up excessively, the burner will constantly run as you use the hot water. If your hot water runs throughout, you may be in for huge utility bills! The same applies to an overly large water heater, as you may end up heating water you don’t need.
You should install a water heater that’s large enough to meet your hot water needs sufficiently. Have you discovered your water heating apparatus is constantly in use? If so, it may be high time you contacted a plumbing company for an upgrade.
Install in a Volt Timer
The typical tank heater constantly maintains a tank full of hot water 24/7. And considering that your household is asleep at least one-third of the day, that’s extra energy spent.
If you have an electric water heater, a professional plumbing company may help you save your energy by installing a volt timer on the unit so you can turn off your water at night.
Flush Your Tank
Excessive mineral deposits in your water may significantly affect the efficiency of your water heater. As the tank heats the water, the minerals crystallize and settle at the base of your water heater.
This creates sediment, which reduces your unit’s efficiency – sediment buildup makes it difficult for heat to transfer from the water heater’s burners to the water inside the tank. To that end, saving energy becomes a challenge.
For optimal efficiency, consider flushing your tank of sediments at least once or twice a year per the manufacturer’s instructions. A licensed plumbing company can help you flush the water tank safely and without much hassle.
Invest in a Tankless Water Heater
The public debates around tank and tankless water heaters never seem to end. But the fact is a tankless water heater commands superior energy efficiency and high-performance capabilities than their old-school counterparts.
Even though they’re way costlier, when you go tankless, you’re assured of constant hot water in the home. And a plus – you can enjoy substantial cost savings!
This is because tankless water heaters only heat water when and if needed, unlike the traditional storage tank models, which heat water and then keep it hot even when you aren’t using it. A plumbing company can help you find a suitable tankless water heater for your needs.
Get Professional Maintenance
To optimize your water heater’s efficiency over its lifetime, partnering with a trusted plumbing company for annual inspection and maintenance is crucial.
Your plumbing company can handle any potential problems that may impact your water heater’s performance during maintenance. This will ensure the device works at its expected efficiency rating.
Hire the Hot Water Experts at My Professional Plumber!
Best practices such as those above can see you save money on your water heating in a big way. If you have more questions about improving your water heater efficiency, My Professional Plumber is the company to contact!
We aren’t just another plumbing company. We forever seek exceptional customer service from our clients, offering the best solutions for all their water heating needs. Contact My Professional Plumber via call or through the online form.
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