Water heating can consume up to a sixth of a family’s utility bill. That’s the biggest component after heating and cooling. That’s why reducing hot water usage and your water heating bills has a direct impact on your budget and the planet as a whole. Thankfully, there are tons of ways that you can reduce your hot water consumption and lower your costs by making some adjustments.
Here are four ways to reduce your water heating bills.
Use Less Hot Water
We’re not going to tell you to take cold showers. However, you can reduce your hot water demands by taking shorter showers. Try to finish up and get out faster. Stand in the steam to enjoy the warmth instead of letting the hot water continue to run. And don’t let the hot water run while you do other things.
Another strategy is taking showers instead of baths. If you take a five or 10-minute hot shower, you’ll use far less hot water than you would if you filled a bathtub. If you do fill the tub, only fill it as high as needed, not all the way to the top.
Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater
If you go tankless, you’ll reduce hot water heating costs by around a third. A tankless water heater provides an endless supply of hot water, though things will fall short if you don’t choose a properly sized unit for your household’s needs. Work with reputable water heater professionals to select the right model. They could also give you advice if you have a large hot water needs, but still, want the benefits of an on-demand water heater.
Don’t Use Hot Water If It Is Not Necessary
While you need to do your laundry, most clothes don’t require hot water to get clean. Furthermore, hot water in these cases isn’t required for the rinse cycle. Change the washer settings so you only use hot water when it is truly necessary. You can do this without upgrading to a greener clothes washer that will use both less energy and water overall. You may be able to use the booster heater in the dishwasher to heat the water when required instead of sending hot water to the dishwasher every time it is used.
Plug the Leaks
Consider installing a heat trap on your existing hot water heater, though this is a common feature on newer hot water heater models. Make sure to plug any water leaks in the hot water heater. You’re wasting both water and the energy spent heating it when it literally goes down the drain. For example, if it is dripping once a second, you’re wasting up to nine gallons a day and more than 3,000 gallons of water per year.
Another strategy is insulating the hot water heater better so that less energy is required to keep the water at the same temperature. Just don’t cover up the thermostat. If you have an oil or natural gas hot water tank, be careful not to cover the burner compartment. Wrap the first few feet of hot water pipes to minimize heat loss.
Conclusion
Hot water doesn’t have to feel like an expensive luxury. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to reduce your energy and water usage without dramatically affecting your lifestyle.
