In today’s increasing energy consumption, making our homes as energy efficient as possible is becoming an increasingly popular priority. Water heaters are often overlooked as an essential component of an energy-efficient home. A properly functioning and efficient water heater can help reduce your carbon footprint while saving you money on your utility bills. We will explore practical tips for making your water heater more energy-efficient without compromising comfort and convenience.
If you’re a homeowner in Charleston or the surrounding areas, looking to lower your monthly expenses, or an environmentally conscious individual striving to reduce resource wastage. In that case, these insights will help you achieve both goals effectively. Let’s dive in and discover how some minor adjustments can significantly affect your water heater’s efficiency!
Invest in a Tankless Water Heater
Upgrading from a conventional water heater to a tankless model can improve your home’s energy efficiency, saving you up to 40% on your energy bills. Tankless water heaters only heat the water being used, saving you energy and money. Say goodbye to wasted energy and hello to endless hot water with tankless water heaters. Unlike conventional water heaters that constantly heat and reheat the water reservoir, tankless units only activate when you turn on the tap. This means no more wasted energy keeping unused water hot, resulting in remarkable cost savings.
Other Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters Include:
- Instant Hot Water: With a tankless system, you no longer need to wait for the storage tank to refill and reheat before getting hot water.
- Space-Saving Design: Unlike bulky traditional models, tankless systems are compact and can be wall-mounted.
- Longer Lifespan: Traditional heaters typically last around ten years, but tankless water heaters can last up to approximately 20 years with proper maintenance.
Converting to a tankless system may require more on the initial investment; however, the long-term savings on utility bills will outweigh the initial upfront cost. Consult a plumber who can assess your needs and guide you toward choosing the right size and model for your home.
Adjust the Thermostat
Lowering the temperature on your water heater can reduce energy consumption and save you money on your utility bills. Most manufacturers set the default temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit but turning it down 20 degrees is generally sufficient for most households.
Insulate Your Water Heater’s Tank and Pipes
Another way to effectively improve your water heater’s energy efficiency is by insulating your water heater. An insulated water heater can reduce heat loss by up to 45%, making your system work more efficiently. You can find pre-cut foam insulation jackets designed for water heaters at most home improvement stores.
Wrapping these pipes with foam pipe insulation helps prevent heat loss during transportation, ensuring hot water arrives at the faucet faster without wasting energy. Insulating your water heater tank and its pipes can significantly decrease energy consumption, saving money on utility bills while minimizing environmental impact.
Ensure You’re Using the Proper Size Water Heater
The correct size of your water heater is essential for maximizing energy efficiency. A water heater that is too small will have difficulty meeting your hot water needs, leading to increased energy consumption as it works harder to keep up. On the other hand, a water heater that is too large will waste energy by constantly reheating unused water.
To determine your home’s proper water heater size, consider the number of people in your household and their daily hot water usage. The Department of Energy provides a helpful equation: multiply the number of occupants by 12 gallons (45 liters). Add an extra gallon (4 liters) per person if you have high-demand fixtures like whirlpool bathtubs or multiple showers.
Due to their unique design and capabilities, Tankless or on-demand systems may require different sizing guidelines. Consult with a plumber or refer to manufacturer recommendations when selecting these types of units.
Install a Volt Timer
In the case of a conventional tank water heater, its constant operation involves maintaining a reservoir of heated water at your designated temperature around the clock. This continuous activity results in an excess of wasted energy. Installing a volt timer can be integrated with your water heater, allowing you to deactivate your water supply during the night hours. More importantly, it conserves energy and could extend the water heater’s life.
Benefits of Using a Volt Timer
- Lower Energy Bills: You can avoid heating unnecessary amounts of unused water throughout the day or at night by setting specific run times for your water heater.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: A volt timer allows you to use hot water by reducing continuous operation periods when hot water is unnecessary.
- Environmental Friendliness: Limiting excessive energy consumption helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation, making your home more environmentally friendly.
Use Low Flow Fixtures
- Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets can reduce the amount of water used.
- By using low-flow fixtures, you can decrease your hot water consumption and reduce the workload on your water heater.
- These fixtures restrict water flow without sacrificing pressure, significantly saving water and energy.
- Consider installing aerators on faucets, which mix air into the water stream, reducing overall usage while maintaining strong pressure.
Have Your Water Heater Flushed Routinely
Routinely flushing your water heater is essential to improving its energy efficiency. Sediment and mineral deposits can build up and reduce the water heater’s effectiveness, making it harder to heat the water. Flushing it can help your water heater run more efficiently and use less energy.
Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance:
- It helps extend the lifespan of your unit by preventing corrosion and prolonging its functionality.
- A clean tank ensures that hot water flows smoothly throughout your plumbing system without any obstructions or a decrease in pressure.
- Removing built-up sediment reduces the likelihood of clogs or blockages in connected appliances such as faucets and showers.
How Often Should Your Water Heater Be Flushed?
As a general guideline, we recommend flushing your water heater at least once a year to maintain optimal performance. However, in areas with hard-water conditions or have noticed signs of sediment accumulation (such as discolored hot water). In that case, you may consider scheduling maintenance more frequently – typically every six months for maximum energy savings and longevity of your unit.
Trust the Plumbers at Smoak’s Comfort Control
Following these expert tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your water heater while saving money on your utility bills. When you need help with conventional or tankless water heater services, including repairs, replacements, and maintenance, schedule an appointment online or call the expert plumbers at Smoak’s Comfort Control today!
Schedule an appointment online or call (843) 556-9550! Our plumbers are happy to assist you while prioritizing your comfort, safety, and satisfaction.