Did you know that after home heating, water heating is the second largest natural gas user in your home?
There are many things we use hot water for – showers, baths, washing dishes, washing clothes – even just washing our hands!
But little things you do can save energy and money over time – as well as extend the life of your water heater!
Previously I shared tips for saving money on heating your home and running your dishwasher, but your water heater is an important part of your home as well.
Here are 10 tips for saving money on your water heating bill:
- Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees. Many water heaters are set at 140 degrees, but 120 degrees is often hot enough for households. Try it out and see if you notice much of a difference. Plus for every 10 degree reduction in temperature can save you up to 9% on your water heating costs.
- Insulate your water heater tank. Insulating your water heater with a water heat blanket can help reduce heat loss – and help you get hot water more quickly! This is a big one for us in Minnesota as water heaters can lose up to 20% of their heat to the cold air of an unoccupied basement or garage. Just note it’s best to hire a professional to insulate properly to avoid covering important components such as the thermostat and burner compartment.
- Insulate your pipes. Use insulating pipe covers to insulate the first 6 feet of pipes coming from your water heater, as this will reduce heat loss and keeps the hot water from cooling off before it reaches the tap.
- Drain the sediment from your water heater tank. Sediments can build up at the bottom of your tank, shortening the life of your water heater and reducing its efficiency, therefore increasing your energy bill. Open the drain valve slowly and drain water into a bucket (it will be hot!) until it runs clear.
- Replace older water heaters with ENERGY STAR®models. ENERGY STAR® certified water heaters work more efficiently, especially tankless on-demand water heaters. Plus, when you upgrade you may qualify for a rebate from your energy provider! Minnesota Energy Resources customers can receive a rebate of $125 – $300 for upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® certified water heater or even installing a drain water heat recovery device (DHR). Learn more here.
- Repair leaky faucets. Many homes have at least one, and it can waste both water and money, including potentially heating it.
- Run your dishwasher only when full. Also, don’t pre-rinse your dishes, as then you’re only using hot water twice for the same purpose.
- Wash or least just rinse clothes in cold water. Unless it’s a really dirty load, most laundry detergents work effectively in cool water. Or just switch from hot to warm!
- Take showers instead of baths. Also reduce the length of your showers and lower the temperature (probably best to try this in the summer!).
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. We have had these in our home for years and have been happy with them – the lower water flow hasn’t even been noticeable to us. And the savings can add up! You can save up to 8.5% on your water heating bill and thousands of gallons of water a year from a low-flow showerhead alone. Check with your energy provider to see if you can get these for free! Minnesota Energy Resources residential customers can request a free water conservation kit which include low-flow showerheads, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, and pipe insulation. See below for how much a free water conservation kit can save your family!
For more ways to save money and energy in your home:
10 Simple Ways to Save Money and Energy at Home
10 Ways to Save Money Running Your Dishwasher
10 Ways to Save Money Heating Your Home
For more information about rebates available to Minnesota Energy Resources customers, visit their website.
(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.)