9 Easy Steps to Lessen Your Water Heater’s Burden
You rely on your water heater everyday to provide hot water where and when you need it. You can help make sure it is there when you need it by easing its workload. These nine simple tips will lower your energy consumption and water usage while also easing the burden placed on your water heater.
1. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. Dishwashers are much more efficient than hand washing, as long as they are run when full. Running a half-empty dishwasher uses the same amount of water as a full load.
2. Take showers instead of baths. Baths use much more hot water than showers. By taking a shower instead of a bath, you can cut your hot water usage by more than half.
3. Use dishes that you can make, store, cook and serve with. By using the same dishes to go from your table to the refrigerator, you can cut down on the amount of dishes you have to wash, which will also help you use less hot water.
4. Scrape dishes into the garbage instead of rinsing with water. Not only does this help you save money on water, but it can also help prevent clogs in you kitchen sinks from food scraps becoming stuck in your plumbing.
5. Utilize the correct water settings on your washing machine. Use cold or warm to wash and cold for rinse. Remember to also set the correct load size so you don’t use more water than necessary.
6. Check for leaks. Even a small drip can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. Anywhere you have access to pipes - under sinks, in the garage, etc. - look for leaks. If your water heater tank is leaking, you need a new one.
Helpful hint: Use your water meter to detect leaks. Shut off water inside and outside your home and check your water meter. Leave everything and check the meter again in a half hour. If the meter has changed, you have a leak.
7. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads. Low-flow fixtures cost as little as $10 to $20, but can save a significant amount of water. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that by replacing your current faucets and showerheads with low-flow fixtures, you can cut your water use by 25% to 60%.
8. Consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances. If your dishwasher or washing machine is close to the end of its lifespan, a new high-efficiency appliance can significantly reduce your hot water consumption. Old clothes washers can use up to 3 times more water than newer, more efficient models.
9. Get an annual water heater tune-up. If you have not already done so, getting a tune-up for you water heater ensures it is functioning correctly and efficiently.
Use these nine tips to reduce the strain on your water heater. Doing so will not only save you money on water and energy consumption, but will also help increase the lifespan of your water heater.
Contact us today for more information on reducing your hot water usage, or schedule a water heater tune-up online.
You rely on your water heater everyday to provide hot water where and when you need it. You can help make sure it is there when you need it by easing its workload. These nine simple tips will lower your energy consumption and water usage while also easing the burden placed on your water heater.1. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. Dishwashers are much more efficient than hand washing, as long as they are run when full. Running a half-empty dishwasher uses the same amount of water as a full load.
2. Take showers instead of baths. Baths use much more hot water than showers. By taking a shower instead of a bath, you can cut your hot water usage by more than half.
3. Use dishes that you can make, store, cook and serve with. By using the same dishes to go from your table to the refrigerator, you can cut down on the amount of dishes you have to wash, which will also help you use less hot water.
4. Scrape dishes into the garbage instead of rinsing with water. Not only does this help you save money on water, but it can also help prevent clogs in you kitchen sinks from food scraps becoming stuck in your plumbing.
5. Utilize the correct water settings on your washing machine. Use cold or warm to wash and cold for rinse. Remember to also set the correct load size so you don’t use more water than necessary.
6. Check for leaks. Even a small drip can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. Anywhere you have access to pipes - under sinks, in the garage, etc. - look for leaks. If your water heater tank is leaking, you need a new one.
Helpful hint: Use your water meter to detect leaks. Shut off water inside and outside your home and check your water meter. Leave everything and check the meter again in a half hour. If the meter has changed, you have a leak.
7. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads. Low-flow fixtures cost as little as $10 to $20, but can save a significant amount of water. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that by replacing your current faucets and showerheads with low-flow fixtures, you can cut your water use by 25% to 60%.
8. Consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances. If your dishwasher or washing machine is close to the end of its lifespan, a new high-efficiency appliance can significantly reduce your hot water consumption. Old clothes washers can use up to 3 times more water than newer, more efficient models.
9. Get an annual water heater tune-up. If you have not already done so, getting a tune-up for you water heater ensures it is functioning correctly and efficiently.
Use these nine tips to reduce the strain on your water heater. Doing so will not only save you money on water and energy consumption, but will also help increase the lifespan of your water heater.
Contact us today for more information on reducing your hot water usage, or schedule a water heater tune-up online.
