As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to reduce bills and save some cash. And while the bill from your water heater might not be the largest utility bill you have, the US Department of Energy estimates that it takes up about 17% of your energy use. And if you’re trying to trim your spending, there are some easy and simple things you can do to keep your water bills to a minimum.
If you want to cut down your hot water heater’s water and electricity usage, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
How to Keep Your Bills to a Minimum
Lose the Long Showers
After a hard day, there’s nothing better than a long steamy shower to relax your muscles and unwind your mind. But those half-hour bathing sessions are taking a serious toll on your water bill, so if you’re trying to cut down spending, it’s time to nix them. Try to keep showers to about 10 minutes. If you listen to music while bathing, remember that 10 minutes is about 3-4 songs.
Ditch the Default
Most likely, the thermostat on your hot water heater is currently set to 140 degrees. This is the default temperature that most manufacturers use. However, most families only use water that is up to 120 degrees, so feel free to ditch the default temp and turn it down. Plus, this makes it less likely that someone in your house will scald themselves with overly hot water.
Go Low-Flow
If you’re handy, try installing low-flow showerheads and faucets throughout your home. This will lower your water bill because it significantly reduces usage during daily tasks like showering, bathing, handwashing, and more. The less water you use, the less you have to heat!
Bundle Up
In the Massachusetts winter, we all know to bundle up to stay warm. But you may not realize that your water heater needs to bundle up too! Insulation blankets are an inexpensive, effective way to make sure that your water heater retains as much heat as possible. That way it doesn’t have to waste energy heating back up.
Fit Your Family
Fit matters! That’s why you need the perfect water heater tank size for your home and family. If it is too large or too small, it will raise your water bill. If it’s too big, you will be wasting energy heating water you don’t need, and if it is too small, it will be working overtime to provide hot water. Ask your Evolved Mechanical technician if your water heater is the right size for you, depending on how many gallons of water you use every hour.
Dishwasher > Handwashing
If you hate washing dishes by hand, we have good news for you! Using a dishwasher can actually use less hot water than handwashing. This is especially true if your appliance is a high-efficiency model, and you only run full loads of dishes.
Upgrade
The most effective way to reduce your hot water and energy bills is to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient water heater. The newest models are leaps and bounds more efficient than your old clunker, so while they may require an upfront investment, an upgraded heater will save you more money over the long run. When shopping, look for the Energy Star label–an indication that the appliance is one of the most efficient models on the market. And while you’re at it, consider replacing other appliances that use hot water like your dishwasher and washing machine.
Ready to Slash Your Bills With a New Heater?
Want to reduce your hot water costs without making any significant changes to your lifestyle? Then talk to the experts at Evolved Mechanical today to get more information about upgrading your hot water heater to a newer, more energy-efficient model. We can help walk you through the process, from start to finish. Call or email us anytime!