Lower Your Energy Bills with These Water Heater Tips

Your water heater can eat anywhere from one-quarter to one-third of the energy in your home in a given month – not too surprising, since it has to heat all the water you need for your showers, baths, dishwasher, washing machine, and taps.

If you want to keep your water heating energy bills as low as possible, there are four basic ways to go about it:

1. Use less hot water – This involves reducing how often – and for how long – you use hot water appliances. As you can see, the gallons can add up quickly:
   • Clothes washer – 25 gallons
   • Shower – 10 gallons (five minute shower)
   • Dishwasher – 6 gallons
   • Kitchen / bathroom faucet (2 gallons / minute)

   Choosing the right appliances and accessories will help: installing low-flow faucets and showerheads, for example, can cut your per-minute use by a third or more. Take advantage of low-water modes on appliances (your dishwasher and clothes washer should have these), and repair leaky faucets as quickly as possible!

2. Lower your water heater’s thermostat – Most water heater thermostats default to a temperature that’s higher than you’ll need for a shower or bath. Try setting your water heater’s thermostat to a comfortable 120°F; it should be fine for most uses.
3. Insulate your water heater – If you have a water heater with a storage tank, Insulate the tank, being careful not to cover the thermostat or burner compartment. For more information, follow manufacturer’s instructions or contact us. You should also Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater (where most of the heat is lost as water circulates)
4. Consider installing a new, high efficiency water heater – If your water heater is more than seven years old or so, replacing it with a new high efficiency model will pay for itself in just a couple of years. A tankless propane water heater is particularly efficient and will likely help you save 30 percent or more on your energy bills every month compared to an older, conventional water heater – especially on that’s powered by electricity.

Considering a new high-efficiency water heater for your Massachusetts home? Contact Pioneer today for a FREE ESTIMATE!