Four Ways to Lower Your Water Heating Energy Bills

Your water heater is an unsung home comfort hero, providing all the hot water you need to clean your dishes, your clothes, and…well, you.

But providing that hot water comes at a price: on average, a water heater can account for anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of your energy bill in a given month. If you want to keep that number as low as possible, there are four basic ways to go about it:

1. Reduce hot water usage – Gallons of hot water can add up quickly…consider these totals:
   • Clothes washer – 25 gallons
   • Shower – 10 gallons (five minute shower)
   • Dishwasher – 6 gallons
   • Kitchen / bathroom faucet (2 gallons / minute)

   To keep those numbers down, you’ll have to conserve hot water in any way you can. Some ideas include:

   • Taking shorter showers, or showering less frequently
   • Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads
   • Using low-water modes on appliances (your dishwasher and clothes washer should have these)
   • Repairing leaky faucets as quickly as possible
2. Lower the thermostat on your water heater – The default setting for your water heater could be as high as 160 degrees – much higher than you’ll need for a shower or bath. Try setting your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F; it should be fine for most uses and will cut your water heating bill significantly.
3. Insulate your hot water storage tank – If you have a traditional water heater (i.e. one with a storage tank), Insulate the tank, being careful not to cover the thermostat or burner compartment. For more information, see your owner’s manual or contact us. You should also Insulate the first six feet or so of pipes connected to the water heater, where most of the heat is lost as water circulates.
4. Consider upgrading to a new, high efficiency water heater – Replacing an older water heater with a new high efficiency model in an investment that will pay for itself in just a couple of years. A tankless propane water heater could do that even more quickly by helping you save 30 percent or more on your energy bills every month compared to an older, conventional water heater.

Considering a new high-efficiency water heater for your Maine home? Contact Murray-Heutz today for a FREE ESTIMATE!