Did you know that heating your water can account for at least 12 percent of your family’s utility bill? Heating your water is actually the second largest chunk of your utilities after heating and cooling. Learning how to heat your water more efficiently can save you hundreds on your home’s utility bills.
We know that not everyone can just go out and buy a new hot water heater, but there are a few simple things you can do to save, including:
- Taking shorter showers and limiting baths. We know this is a lot easier said than done, especially in the winter when getting out of a hot shower seems almost impossible, but it will save you money! Also, a lot of people don’t realize how much water goes into taking a bath, especially if you have one of those larger Jacuzzi tubs. Taking a warm bath is a nice luxury but try to limit the number you take each month.
- Lower the temperature on your home’s water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Did you know that you can save three to five percent for every 10 degrees you lower your water heater temperature?
- Don’t let the water run. Do you leave the water running while you wash dishes? Or how about while you brush your teeth? These are all common things people do that inevitable waste hot water. Turning the water off during these tasks, that you do each day, can lower your water heating bill.
- Use cold water when doing laundry. Depending on the type of washing machine you have, you can change your settings to wash and rinse with cold water.
- Run your dishwater less frequently. Run your dishwasher only when it is completely full and choose shorter wash cycles.
- Fix leaky pipes immediately. Did you know that a leak of just one drip can cost $1 per month? That may not seem like a lot but if your leak is more than just a drip and it went unnoticed for a few days in your basement you could waste a lot of money.
- Install low-flow fixtures in your home. Showerheads and faucets are now federally regulated to have low flow rates. Fixtures that date back to before 1992 can use more than twice as much water as newer ones. If you would like help installing low-flow fixtures contact the professionals at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
- Insulate your hot water storage tank. Consult a professional before installing insulation around your hot water storage tank. There are certain elements to the tank that you do not want to cover. Installing insulation can help cut back on energy costs.
- Install a timer on your hot water heater. You can install a timer that will turn off your hot water heater at night or times when you don’t use it.
- Consider installing a new water heater. Yes, we know you’ll spend money buying something new but installing a new water heater can save you so much more over time. There are other water heating options that could be more efficient for your home.
Plumbing and Water Heater Services in Kansas City
Small changes to your daily habits or larger changes to your plumbing fixtures can save you each month on your utility bills. If you live in the Kansas City, MO area, and you are interested in replacing your hot water heater or need plumbing repairs, contact the professionals at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today at (913) 535-8002(913) 535-8002.