A major chunk of our home budget goes towards our energy bills. A large portion of the energy goes into our water heaters. According to a report from the Canadian Building Energy End-Use Data And Analysis Center, water heaters account for nearly 22% of the energy used in the average Canadian home. Also, they account for 17.2% of the energy used in the average Canadian home.
Most of us take having a water heater at home for granted. It keeps the hot water flowing in our homes for many purposes, from hot showers to doing dishes. Water heater maintenance can cost you a good chunk of money. If done properly you can save a lot.
If you are looking for ways to save your energy and money on your water heaters, you are in the right place. In this blog we will give you useful tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure optimal energy use.
Lower The Thermostat
Most water heater manufacturers set the default thermostat reading to 140°F. For the majority of households, 120°F is fair enough. For every 10 degrees reduction, you can save up to 10% in energy costs.
Take a shower or do your normal cleaning work, you won’t feel any difference. Doing this will not only cut costs but is also good for the heater’s maintenance and longevity.
Insulate Your Tank And Pipes
If your pipes are exposed and aren’t well insulated, a lot of your heat will go in vain. A water heater should only heat the water, not its surroundings. Insulating the tank and pipes can help to reduce heat losses thus making the heater more efficient.
Doing this will save the need to turn on the heater frequently. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not cover the operational parts such as the thermostat and burner.
Switch To A Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are in demand nowadays. Unlike regular water heaters which heat the water in a tank, tankless heaters don’t need a tank, it heats the water when you need it, using the gas burner.
They are high in performance and can save up to 40% on energy costs. They supply on-demand hot water. They take up less space, perform better, and last longer. Most importantly they save you money.
Install Heat Traps
Heat traps are used to trap the cold water and send it to the tank to be heated while keeping the flow of the hot water in the pipes. The latest water heaters come with built-in heat traps but if your heater does not have them, call a professional heater technician to install a good-quality heat trap. It makes the heating more effective, making the heater performance more efficient.
Drain The Tank
Over time, sediment will build up in the water heaters tank and reduce its efficiency. Make sure to drain the tank every year or so. Draining the tank will help to remove sediment and other contaminants that can affect the heat transfer and ultimately lower the efficiency of the unit.
Other Useful Tips
Some other useful tips include;
- Use cold water for dishwashing
- Upgrade your old appliances.
- Repair Leaky Faucets
To Sum Up
These were a few essential tips for water heater owners to save energy and bill costs. Make sure to follow these tips if you want to ensure the longevity of your heater and a cost-effective heating system for your home.
For heater maintenance, it is recommended to hire professional water heater maintenance providers like Nor-Can Heating and Air.
About Nor-Can Heating & Air
Nor-Can Heating & Air provides quality air conditioners, water heaters, and furnace installation and maintenance services in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our technicians are well-equipped, trained, and experienced professionals who will install your water heater while keeping in mind all the technical angles and other requirements. A perfectly installed water heater will last longer and help you save a lot of money in terms of maintenance and repair costs. Contact us for more information.
