Water Heater Conservation: Cost Saving Tips in Energy Efficiency

September 24, 2018

Just like a child who’s experiencing a winter chill, families wrap their water heaters in warming jackets. The insulating coat stops energy losses, lowers energy bills, and extends the appliance’s lifespan. All things being equal, that hot water tank is responsible for approximately 17% of a household’s energy bill, after all. Action one, then, you’ve taken care of its outer surfaces, where the energy is leeched by cold weather.

Be Conservation Aware 

Use common sense. A long bath feels wonderful, and there’s always that selfish side of your persona that wants even more hot water when the bath starts cooling. For this cost-saving tip, help your jacketed water heater out by taking showers, turning off dripping taps, installing low-flow shower heads, and opting for cooler baths.

Lower the Temperature 

Back at the water heater, its core temperature is still set high. Turn the thermostat down a little. Twist the control knob until it sits comfortably at 60°C. For instantaneous hot water systems, rotate the dial further, until it hits the 50°C mark. And should you and your family be heading out of town, turn the temperature way down. In hotter climates, consider turning it all the way OFF. If you reside in a cooler region, leave the water heater ON so that the pipes don’t freeze.

Are You Insulation Smart?

Many contemporary water heating units can be fitted with tailored insulation blankets. If that’s not possible, make sure no openings or vents are covered up by the insulation when it’s installed. For safety’s sake, opt for a professional installation job, for a technician who will tightly and safely wrap the heater in insulation and use metal banding to seal the jacket. The pros also extend the insulation envelope. They put material on the first metre of hot water pipe, then there’s next to no chance of an expensive energy leak occurring around the tank.

Here’s to Domestic Frugality 

The water heater has recently been maintained. It’s insulated, and the thermostat is turned down. What else can you do? Well, begin by using your kitchen appliances and laundry equipment more efficiently. Wash on cold when at all possible. And, if the hot water tap is still dripping, have the leak repaired. A washer costs a few cents, after all.

Last of all, talk to your heating engineer or read some of the past posts on this blog. Consider a tankless gas water heater or a model that sports an Energy Star rating. Understand MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) so that your equipment doesn’t become an energy glutton, one that’ll eat its way into your energy savings.

 

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