A water heater is one of those appliances that many Arvada, CO residents may take for granted — until it stops working. When a water heater breaks down, it can cause all sorts of problems, not the least of which is an increase in your electric costs. Here’s a look at how a faulty water heater can affect your utility bills and what you can do to minimize the impact.
How a Faulty Water Heater Affects Your Electric Bills
A water heater that isn’t working properly can have a major impact on your utility bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 20% of the electricity used in a typical home. So, if your water heater isn’t working as efficiently as it should be, you could see a significant spike in your electric bills.
There are a number of things that can cause a water heater to break down or become less efficient over time. For example, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank and prevent the heating elements from working properly. This not only causes the water heater to work harder (and use more electricity) to heat the water, but it can also lead to premature failure of the heating elements. In addition, corrosion can cause problems with the performance of your water heater and lead to higher electric bills.
What You Can Do to Minimize the Impact of a Faulty Heater
If you think your water heater may be at fault for higher-than-usual electricity costs, there are a few things you can do to minimize the impact.
First, make sure that your water heater is set to the correct temperature. If it’s set too high, it will use more energy than necessary to heat the water. Second, insulate the hot water pipes leading from the tank to help reduce heat loss. Finally, have your water heater serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it’s operating as efficiently as possible. If it’s not, you may need to either have it repaired or completely replaced. Taking these steps can help you keep your electric bills under control and prolong the life of your water heater.
Pay Close Attention to Your Water Heater
A faulty water heater can have a major impact on your electric bills. If you think your water heater may be the culprit for higher bills, reach out to our team at Flatirons Plumbing for help. A faulty water heater may not only be responsible for extreme water bills, but it could also make life very difficult for you if it breaks down in the middle of a Colorado winter when you need it the most. Give us a call so that we can make sure your water heater is working as it should.
