One of the most used household appliances is water heaters. We use them to take warm showers or relaxing bubble baths. We take advantage of water heaters when washing and deep cleaning our dishes, and even when we do some laundry. But since water heaters also make use of electricity, they can be one of the heaviest energy-consuming appliances in your home.
If you’re looking for ways to boost your water heater’s efficiency, then you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered some of the best ways to reduce your water heater’s energy use.
Switch to a more energy-efficient water heater
One good way to ensure that you have an energy-efficient unit is by replacing your old water heater with a better unit. Find one with a higher energy-efficiency rating. Choose a unit with at least 0.67 energy factor. New models of water heaters with the Energy Star label are a sure win.
Don’t skimp on water heater maintenance and repairs
One big no-no when improving the efficiency of your water heater is ignoring routine checks and maintenance. Make sure that you work with a pro only when looking for someone to service your unit. You can avoid unnecessary repairs if you tackle the minor issues as soon as the signs appear. This is especially true if you already have an old unit.
Consider installing a new circulation pump
There are many circulation pumps to choose from for your water heater. In Australia, durable Davey pumps are among the most reliable circulation pumps that you can order online. Such devices help keep the constant movement of hot water in your plumbing system. If you are tired of waiting for your hot water first thing in the morning, then a circulation pump can deliver hot water right away. You also get to save money, as you’ll use less water than if you don’t have a circulation pump in place.
Insulate your pipes
Insulating your water pipes is one good way to start preparing your home’s plumbing system for winter. It will not only help you reduce heat loss, but it will also allow you to cut down your water heater’s energy use. How you insulate your water pipes will depend on your main goal. To reduce water heating costs, insulate all hot water pipes that you can access.
Set your water heater to 120 degrees Celsius
One would often find their water heaters preset to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. But turning down the temperature can help lower energy consumption by up to 10%. In most homes, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is enough. So instead of the preset manufacture temperature, set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fix leaks
All wasted water directly affects your water heater. Your water heater needs to compensate for whatever water that is lost. The longer you skimp on repairing the leaks, the more money you’re allowing to go down the drain. Find the source of the leak and fix it the soonest time possible.
We often take water heaters for granted. The only time we think about them is when problems start showing up. The easiest way to go around this is by shopping for an energy-efficient one and staying on top of the repair and maintenance schedule. Don’t forget to insulate your pipes, fix leaks, and consider a new pump for your water heater system. This way, you can enjoy a more efficient water heater, lower energy bill, and bigger savings.
