Did you know that your water heater uses more energy than any other home appliance besides your furnace or central air conditioner?

It’s true – about one-fifth of the energy used in your home every year goes to heating water for your showers, dishwasher, washing machine, and faucets.

If you want to keep your water heating bills as low as possible, there are basically four ways to do it:

1. Use less hot water – The most obvious way to cut down on the money you spend heating water is to cut down on the amount of hot water you use. The gallons can add up quickly: one load of laundry can use 25 gallons alone! Some easy ways to use less hot water include:
   • Installing low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads
   • Using the cold setting on your clothes washer during wash and rinse cycles
   • Taking advantage of low-water use modes on appliances
   • Replacing old models with high efficiency dishwashers and clothes washers
   • Only running dishwashers and clothes washers when full
   • Repairing leaky faucets quickly
2. Adjust the thermostat on your water heater – Water heaters come with a pre-set temperature that’s often higher that what you’ll need for day-to-day hot water use. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a water heater thermostat setting of 120°F to balance health, comfort, and efficiency. Not sure how to change your thermostat? Check out this video.
3. Insulate your water heater’s storage tank – Insulate the hot water storage tank with a “jacket” to keep heated water warm – just be careful not to cover the water heater’s top, bottom, thermostat, or burner compartment (see your manufacturer’s instructions for more information). You should also Insulate the first six feet of plumbing pipes connected to the water heater, which is where much of the heat is lost en route to your sinks and appliances.
4. Upgrade your water heater – The average conventional water heater (one with a storage tank) lasts about 8 to 10 years. If yours is approaching that age, it could be time for an upgrade: a new energy-efficient water heater will pay for itself in a couple of years. One strong option to consider is a propane tankless water heater, which instantly heats only the water you need. By operating this way, a tankless system can save you up to 30 percent on your water heating bills while delivering other important benefits.

Considering a new high-efficiency water heater? Contact Fredericks today for a FREE, no obligation ESTIMATE!