It’s true that we use our water heaters year-round, but it’s not uncommon for warm water to get a little more action once the cooler weather hits. For that reason, it’s time to turn your attention to some energy saving tips to keep your water heater functioning as cost-effectively as possible.
Your tank’s thermostat doesn’t have to be sky-high to get the results you want. Most heaters are preset to 140 degrees, but the Energy Department recommends lowering yours to 120. That way you’ll save money, and also reduce the risk of being burned in the bath! Remember for every 10 degrees you lower the thermostat, you’ll save between 3-5% in energy costs.
We’re not expecting you and your family to forgo hot water for a freezing shower, but if you could cut down shower time by half you’d be surprised how much you’d save. Another way to reduce water usage is by installing low-flow shower heads and faucets. At only $10-$20 a piece, a standard low-flow shower head can save you 25-60% in hot water usage.
Draining the sediment from your water heater is important to keep it functioning at maximum capacity. Overtime, contaminants found in hard water can settle at the bottom of the tank, causing it to use more energy to heat the remaining water. As a general rule, drain about a quart of water every three months — or call your local HVAC company to set up a maintenance plan.
Don’t risk heat escaping through uninsulated pipes! Simply cover your pipes with affordable and easy to use self-sealing sleeves, found at your local hardware store. If your tank is where the insulation issue lies, wrapping it with an insulated blanket might do the trick. If not, consider upgrading to a newer, better insulated model.
Does your water heater require maintenance? Or perhaps you’re interested in upgrading to the latest and greatest in water heating technology? No matter what your water heating issues are, Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC has the knowledge and experience required to assist!
To learn more about our water heater, furnace and other HVAC services, call 203-378-4700.
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