According to EPA estimates, up to 25% of the energy used in the typical home is spent on water heating. You can save money on your energy bills by implementing a few water heating strategies.
Reducing your hot water usage not only saves money on water heating but also on your water bills. Fix any leaking water fixtures such as sink, tub, and shower faucets as soon as you notice them. Low flow showerheads are easy for your plumber to install and can save as much as half the hot water used in a typical shower.
Installing a water heater insulation blanket can reduce standby heat loss by up to 45%, especially on older poorly insulated water heaters. These insulation blankets are readily available at your local home improvement center. Installation on an electric water heater is something most homeowners can do, but if you have a gas water heater you should have the insulation blanket installed by a professional.
If you have an electric water heater, you may be able to save money by installing a timer that turns your water heater off at night and during the day while you are away from home. Timers can be especially effective if your utility company charges more for electricity used during peak demand periods. You can set the timer so that the water heater is turned off during these peak usage periods and heats water during low demand periods when electricity is less expensive.
Finally, when it comes time to replace your water heater, consider installing a tankless water heater and be sure to look for a water heater with the ENERGY STAR label. You will save energy throughout the service life of the water heater.
