Hot Water Savings for Summer
August 26, 2021
Hot water is essential to daily life, from washing your hands, cleaning dishes, to showering, so it should come as no surprise that water heating is typically the second-largest energy expense in your home (depending on if your water is electric or gas)— accounting for about 18% of energy bills, right after heating and cooling. With hot water being used so frequently, it’s pretty easy to see how quickly it can add to your electric bill. By becoming more aware of how you use your heated water and by making a few small adjustments, you can not only conserve hot water, but also save on water heating costs.
Check out these energy-efficient tips and start saving today:
- Check the size of your water heater. Make sure that your water heater is sized appropriately for the size of your family. Most homes come with a standard 40-gallon tank, but if you have four or more family members living in your home, you may need to upsize the size of the tank. Upsizing to a larger tank may also require additional electrical work as well. Your plumber should be able to inform you if any additional work will be required if you decide to upsize.
- Use Less Hot Water. Try not to run hot water excessively. Take shorter showers. Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot unless absolutely necessary. Purchase energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers. Turn off your water heater when you’re on vacation.
- Turn Down the Thermostat on Your Water Heater. For most households, 120 degrees F is sufficient. For those with higher thermostat settings, remember with each 10-degree reduction, you can save up to 5% on your water heating costs.
- Insulate Your Water Heater. Insulate your electric water heater tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. This reduces heat losses at the tank and along pipes leading to faucets. You also won’t have to wait as long for the water to get hot when you turn on the faucet. If you own a gas water heater, be sure to consult with your gas company for suggestions on insulating those types of units.
- Consider Buying a New, More Efficient Water Heater – It may cost more initially, but the energy savings will continue during the lifetime of the appliance. It’s best to do your research and know the condition of your unit. On average, a water heater will last about 8-12 years, but this can vary based on the type of water heater, the quality of the unity, and how well it has been maintained.
Union Power’s promise is to provide exceptional service to its members. That includes looking out for you by helping you save on your monthly energy bill. That’s the Cooperative difference!
Check Out Our Water Heating Calculator
Our Water Heater Calculator can help you estimate your annual water heater savings based on the number of people in your home and your fuel rates. Access this tool by visiting union-power.com/energysavingscalculators and selecting the “Water Heater Calculator” icon!