Four Ways to Cut Your Hot Water Energy Bills

Written on: April 21, 2017

As much as one quarter of the money you spend on energy bills comes from heating water for your bath, showers, dishwasher, washing machine, and sinks – so if you want to lower your bills, managing your hot water use is a great place to start.

Here are four ways you can do it.

1. Cut hot water usage where possible – The number of hot water gallons you use adds up quickly –here are some typical amounts for common appliance usage:
   • Clothes washer – 25 gallons
   • Shower – 10 gallons
   • Dishwasher – 6 gallons
   • Kitchen / bathroom faucet (2 gallons / minute)

   Taking shorter showers, using water saving features on your washing machine and dishwasher, and promptly fixing faucet leaks can cut your hot water usage substantially. You can also try installing low-flow faucets and showerheads, which could cut your water flow rate in half with minimum loss in water pressure.

2. Change your water heater’s thermostat setting – Most water heaters are factory set to produce a hot water temperature that is higher than you will ever need. A thermostat setting of 120°F is fine for most uses.
3. Insulate your water heater’s storage tank – Hot water that sits in a storage tank will eventually cool, so you’ll have to pay twice (or even several times) to reheat it for use. Insulating the tank slows heat loss – just be careful not to cover the burner compartment (for more information, follow manufacturer’s instructions or contact us).
4. Consider upgrading your water heater – Investing in one of today’s high efficiency conventional or tankless propane water heater will pay for itself in just a few years – or even less if you’re replacing an electric model. Tankless models will also produce a limitless supply of hot water and take up less space in your basement.

Considering an upgrade to a high-efficiency propane water heater? Contact us today for a FREE estimate!