Finding ways to save money is something the average homeowner is passionate about. The cost of owning and maintaining a home can get quite expensive. If you want to reduce the monthly costs associated with owning a home, then start focusing on energy efficiency.
Nearly 20 percent of home energy usage goes toward heating water. Having a functional heater is vital, but it doesn’t have to be so expensive. There are a number of things you can do to boost water heater efficiency and here are some of them.
Water Heater Tank Sediment Can Impact Energy Usage
Most people fail to realize just how common hard water is in homes around the United States. The minerals contained in hard water can do a number on your water heater. When water is heated in the tank, the minerals contained in it will start to crystalize. These minerals will also settle in the bottom of the tank.
As time goes by, this layer of sediment at the bottom of your water heater tank will affect energy efficiency. If you want to control the amount of sediment in your water heater, draining your tank twice a year is a good idea. Most water heater manufacturers include instructions for draining the tanks they manufacture. If you don’t feel comfortable draining your water heater tank, reach out to a plumber for help.
Have a Tankless Water Heater Installed
If you’re really serious about boosting water heater efficiency, then you have to replace your existing water heater. Traditional water heaters with tanks consume a lot of energy. Luckily, there are a number of tankless water heaters on the market.
Not only will these tankless water heaters use less energy, they will also provide a virtually unlimited supply of hot water. Many homeowners are able to reduce energy bills by nearly 40 percent with the addition of a tankless water heater.
Adjust Your Water Heater’s Thermostat
The average water heater thermostat will be set at around 140 degrees from the factory. This temperature is too warm for most people. Rather than running the risk of scalding yourself in the shower, you need to adjust your thermostat.
Lowering your water heater thermostat by around 10 degrees can save you around 5 percent a year on your energy costs. Allowing a plumber to help you with these thermostat adjustments is a great way to avoid mistakes during this process.
Think About Insulating Your Water Heater
If a water heater and the pipes attached to it aren’t insulated, a lot of heat can escape. This will result in your water heater working harder to keep the water inside of its tank warm. You can limit the amount of heat wasted by insulating your water heater. An insulation blanket for your water heater is pretty expensive and very effective. As you apply this blanket, avoid covering your thermostat.
Are you struggling to keep your water heater functional? If so, Monkey Wrench Plumbing is here to help.