You rely on your water heater for warm showers, doing laundry, washing dishes, etc. When you use hot water for so many daily tasks, your water heater bill climbs higher and higher. Although you love the convenience of hot water, you may not appreciate the bills that come with it.
If your water heater bills are too high, B&L Ott is here to help. There are a variety of ways you can lower your water heater bill. By taking proper care of your water heater, you can lower your bills. You can also reduce the number of repairs needed, and prolong your water heater’s life.
Conserve Water in Your Daily Routine
Everyone wants a long hot shower after a hard day of work. It helps relax your muscles and gives you time to clear your head. Yet, the longer you take, the higher your bills go. By learning to conserve hot water, you can save more on your water heater bill. The average shower uses approximately 2 gallons per minute. When you add multiple people over many days and other utilities that use hot water, every gallon adds up.
There are a variety of ways to conserve hot water. Instead of taking long showers, snuggle up in a warm blanket with a warm drink. Only wash your clothing and dishes when you have a full load. Some clothing such as jeans and hoodies can be worn a few days before they need to be washed. Saving a little bit every day will save a good amount of energy and money in the long run.
Lower the Temperature on the Thermostat
Most manufacturers set the thermostat at a higher temperature than some households really need. Even when you are not using hot water, water will be heated and put on standby for when you do need it. The higher your thermostat is set, the more energy your water heater will use to warm up your water. When this water is not getting used and is only on standby. You are paying for extra heat that you are not using. Turning back the thermostat by 10-20 degrees can save both energy and money.
Insulate Your Water Heater
If you have a hot water storage tank that is not factory insulated, insulating it can help retain heat. Most hardware stores sell insulation blankets for this purpose. B&L Ott recommends insulation only for water heaters in cooler, unconditioned spaces. It is also a good idea to insulate your pipes. Hot water loses heat as it travels from the storage tank to your faucets and shower heads. By insulating your exposed pipes you can help trap some of the heat so that less is lost.
Perform Regular Maintenance and Fix Leaks
If you do not properly take care of your water heater, you will likely run into problems. Sediment will collect in the storage tank, parts may break, or leaks can occur. Issues like these make your system have to work harder to do its job. The harder your system works, the more money comes out of your wallet. You will also have to pay more money for repairs.
B&L Ott recommends inspecting and performing water heater maintenance regularly. Check for leaks and damaged parts. Drain the sediment out of the bottom of the tank. If you need help with maintenance or repairs, you should contact B&L Ott. A knowledgeable B&L Ott technician can answer any questions you may have. They can also help you learn how to properly take care of your specific heater.
