The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that water heating accounts for 18% of the average monthly energy bill. Modern water heaters are efficient, but they can easily become inefficient and cost you a lot more to run. Let’s explore some cost-effective steps to improve efficiency and save money.
Turn Down the Temperature
Many manufacturers ship their water heaters with a temperature setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, many installers will leave them at that default setting. The DOE warns, however, that it’s too high. Set it to 120 degrees instead. The water will be very comfortable at that setting. You’ll lower the risk of scalds and decrease your water heating expenses by about 10%.
Use Vacation Mode
Lots of modern water heaters feature a vacation mode that you should activate whenever you leave your home for two days or longer. When you switch on this setting, it will make sure the water heater is at its lowest temperature setting. When you turn off vacation mode, it raises the temperature to 140 degrees for health reasons and then returns it to your setting.
If you don’t have vacation mode, you can do it yourself. Before you leave, turn the temperature dial to its lowest setting. When you return, set it to its highest. When it reaches that temperature, adjust it to your normal setting, such as 120 degrees.
Flush or Descale the System
Your water supply has calcium and magnesium in it. Those minerals accumulate into limescale, which lowers efficiency and shortens the system’s lifespan. If you have a tank water heater, have a plumber flush it at least once a year. Doing so will remove all the scale and sediment.
If you have a tankless water heater, schedule a plumber to descale it. This involves using a recirculating pump to run a vinegar and water mixture through the system. If the buildup is bad, it may require a chemical cleaning agent instead.
Replace the Anode Rod
Tank water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod. This metal pipe attracts minerals through electrolysis and slows the buildup. The average lifespan for an anode rod is three years. Have a plumber check it annually and replace it as needed.
Insulate Your Water Heater
Water heaters can lose substantial heat energy through their exposed water lines. You should insulate those lines, check them each month, and replace them at the first sign of wear.
Gas water heaters don’t need additional insulation because heat losses happen through the exhaust and not the tank. Electric water heaters can often benefit from additional insulation, such as a water heater jacket.
If you’d like to lower the operating costs associated with your water heater in Arvada, CO, contact Flatirons Plumbing today.
