How to Reduce Your Water Heater's Energy Usage?

​Many of us don't know, but our water heaters are the large contributors to our energy bills. The electric water heaters use around 18% of the total energy usage in any house. But, the good part is that you can lower the energy usage without doing a lot. Find out how you can reduce the energy consumption easily.

Use Less Hot Water
The water heater consumes energy while heating water. The more hot water you use, the more energy is consumed by the water heater. Hence, try to use less amount of hot water. You can take quick showers and turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, soaping, or shampooing. You can also wash utensils and laundry in cold water. 

Lower The Temperature
For every 10° of temperature you turn down, you’ll save 3% to 5% on your energy bill. Turn down the temperature controlling thermostat and maintain the water temperature at 120°F in all the cases. This way you will save a huge amount of energy usage on a daily basis.

Insulate The Tank and Pipes
Insulating the tank and pipes near the tank can keep water inside the tank hot for a longer period. This reduces the energy used to reheat water every now and then. Insulate the water heater tank with an insulating blanket of R-value of at least 24. Insulate the pipes using a self-sticking foam seal.

Install Low-Flow Faucets and Appliances
Low-flow faucets, showerheads, toilets, dishwashers, and other fixtures and appliances reduce the water consumption by 25%-60%. These faucets and showerheads do not exceed the usage limit of 2.5 gallons per minute.

Turn off When Away
If you have a storage water heater, it will continuously consume energy to heat water, even when it is not in use. Hence, turn off the water heater electric supply when you are away for a while or on a vacation. When you return, you will just have to wait for an hour for water heating. But, this wait will be worth the usage that you’ll reduce.

Replace with Energy Star-Rated Water Heater
The Energy Star-rated appliances are considered to be more energy efficient. A Star-rated water heater uses 31% less energy and 33% less water. You can also consider installing other Star-rated appliances like dishwasher and washing machine.

Regularly Maintain the Water Heater
Maintaining your water heater regularly will help you identify and eliminate the possible defects and problems. Various water heater problems can affect the efficiency of your water heater. An inefficient water heater consumes a lot of energy and results in high energy bills. 
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If your water heater requires repairs too often or if it has crossed its efficiency age, consider replacing it. Contact Hot Water Tanks Edmonton to know which water heater will suit you the best.