Having hot water is obviously essential for cleaning, bathing, doing laundry, etc., but it always comes at a price. On average, hot water accounts for around 15% of a home’s total utility bills and adds up to somewhere around $400 to $600 a year. The good news is that there are some easy ways to reduce how much energy your water heater uses and keep your utility bills lower.
1. Turn the Temperature Down
The temperature you have your water heater set to directly impacts how much it costs to run. Most people have their water heater set to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which leads to it using more energy. By turning the temperature down to 120 degrees, the US Department of Energy estimates that you could lower your water heater bills by anywhere from 4% to 22%.
2. Have Your Water Heater Professionally Serviced
No matter what type of water heater you have, it will always work more energy efficiently if you have it inspected and serviced every year. Without regular maintenance, gas and electric water heaters will start experiencing issues that limit their effectiveness. This means that they start heating more slowly, leading to them staying on for longer and using more energy. If you have a tank water heater, it’s also essential that you have it flushed once or twice a year to remove sediment build-up. Sediment is the biggest issue that contributes to increased energy usage and it can also shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
3. Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
If you have a tank water heater that is more than eight to 10 years old, you can also save lots of money by replacing it with a tankless unit. Tank water heaters waste lots of energy since they have to keep the water constantly hot. Even if you’re not using any hot water, the unit will still end up running for at least two to four hours every day. This isn’t an issue with tankless units since they only heat on demand and only use energy when hot water is needed. Depending on your average daily hot water usage, a tankless water heater could save you anywhere from 8% to 35%. If you normally use less than 40 gallons a day, you could save even more.
ProMax Water Heaters & Plumbing is ready to help with all of your water heater needs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater or need any repairs or maintenance, you can count on our team of expert plumbers. For more information on the ways to save on your water heater bills or if you need any other plumbing service in the Bellevue area, contact us today.
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Meet Evan Niemela: Owner of ProMax Water Heaters & Plumbing
When he’s not plumbing, you’ll find Evan looking for a little white golf ball (generally in the woods or long grass), exploring the mountains and trails in the beautiful PNW or spending time with his wife and seven children.
