3 Ways to Save Money on Hot Water

Although the use of hot water is a major portion of your energy bill, generally very little thought is given to ways to conserve hot water. Three methods to help save money are to reduce heat loss, reduce the amount of water you use, and get water heater repairs in Atlanta homes done promptly when they are needed.

Reduce Heat Loss

The most common type of water heater uses a storage tank, where the hot water is heated and kept at a constant temperature. As the water sits in the tank, it cools down. When the temperature reaches a certain point, the thermostat will trigger the heating unit, and the water will heat again to the pre-set level. This is a constant effort. The faster the tank loses heat, the more often the heating unit will turn on, and the more energy and money will be used.

One way to help reduce heat loss is by wrapping an insulated cover around the water heater. This has more to do with a lack of insulation in the tank itself than it does the outside temperature. Even here in Hot'lanta, an insulation blanket will make a difference on your energy bill. There are blankets specifically designed to safely wrap around water heaters. The blankets are different for gas and electric water heaters, so make sure you get the right one for your heater.

Another form of heat loss is through the pipes. As the water sits in the pipes, it cools down. You can slow this process by insulating the hot water pipes. Use foam insulation sleeves. Again, regardless of how hot it is outside, the insulation will make a big difference in how long water stays hot in the pipes.

Reduce Water Usage

In addition to reducing heat loss, you can save energy by reducing the amount of hot water that is used. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) washing clothes uses the most hot water, with showering and bathing using the second highest amount. However, other tasks such as using an automatic dishwasher, preparing food, or hand washing dishes also uses a lot of water.

When it’s time to replace your appliances, look for clothes washers, dishwashers, and water heaters that are energy efficient. When you are shopping for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels.

If it isn’t time to replace you’re your devices, there are still other ways you can conserve hot water.

• Check all your faucets and repair those that are leaking.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Limit the amount of time in a shower.

Repair Minor Problems

If the water heater is rusted out, you can’t repair it. However, if there are minor problems, such as a leaky valve or sediment in the bottom of the tank, call a Roto Rooter professional to repair the water heater in your Atlanta home before the problems become too big to fix.