Water Heating
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 18% to 25% of your energy use. The average family spends between $400 and $600 on water heating each year. As a result, employing energy-saving strategies and choosing an energy-efficient water heater can help save you money.
Water heaters have a life expectancy that varies from 10 to 20 years. Periodic maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and minimize efficiency loss. To make sure you have enough hot water when you want it, calculate your household’s peak-hour hot water demand and use that to determine what water heater size to get.
To learn how to calculate peak-hour hot water demand, you can visit sites such as Energy.gov for more information.
Tips
For lowering your heating bills
1
The simplest thing to do: Use less hot water!
2
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
3
Buy the most energy-efficient model available, and consider installing a solar water heater.
4
Wash your clothes in cold water (they’ll come out just as clean).
5
Turn down the thermostat on your water heater and set it to 120°F.
6
Fix any leaks; even one drip per second can cost up to $1 a month.
7
When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.
8
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for ways to insulate your water heater tank and pipes.
Select an ENERGY STAR®–certified water heater and products to ensure energy efficiency and help reduce water and heating costs. Visit your local energy provider website to see which energy-efficient appliances and products are best for your home.