Water Heating
Water heating is the second-largest user of electricity in the
average home. Water heating consumes 15 to 25% of household electricity,
but can vary depending on tank capacity, climate and lifestyle. The
average household uses around 3,500 kWhs annually to heat water.
TIPS FOR LOWERING YOUR WATER HEATING COSTS
• Lower your water heater thermostat to the recommend setting of
120oF. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save
between 3 and 5% in energy costs.
• Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF also slows mineral buildup
and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. This helps your water
heater last longer and operate at its maximum efficiency.
• Reduce your hot water consumption – wash clothes in cold water,
install low-flow fixtures, and fix all plumbing leaks.
• Once a year, drain a bucket of water from the bottom of your water
heater. By doing this, you will remove sediment build-up that can waste
energy by impeding the water element from heating the water properly.
• Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water
temperature, 2 to 4ºF hotter than non-insulated pipes can deliver.
Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the
water heater. It's also a good idea to insulate the cold water inlet
pipes for the first 3 feet.
• You can save an additional 5 to 12% of energy by installing a timer
that turns your water heater off at night when you don't use hot water.
Click here to view the Water Heater Commercial