Your water heater is a vital part of your home. Washing dishes, bathing and cleaning all need heated water in order to be effective. Using a lot of hot water can add extra costs to your home energy bills, but there are ways you can increase savings. Consider the following:
- Insulate your water heater – Insulating your tank can help keep the water warm for longer periods of time. Warm water means less energy used to reheat the tank. Blanket uses vary by model and size of the tank, so check with your manufacturer or HVAC service provider for the correct method of installation.
- Drain your tank – Your water heater can get buildup or sediment in the tank over time. This will cause your tank to work harder and use more energy than it should. Sediment is erosion that causes sludge to buildup inside the tank. Many manufacturers recommend annual tank draining. Draining the tank will get rid of the buildup and bring your tank to a higher energy saving level. Though some people try to do it themselves, calling a professional can help you complete the task properly and safely.
- Insulate pipes – If you have pipes coming out of your tank that are exposed, it may cause your tank to work harder. Cold pipes may keep the water cooler longer, causing more water to run from your faucet until it reaches your desired temperature. Call a professional for advice and help installing insulating sleeves over the pipes.
- Fix leaks and conserve hot water – Fixing leaking bathroom and kitchen faucets can reduce the strain on your water heater. Taking shorter showers instead of baths will also use less hot water.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, contact us at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating. Our friendly and professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your water heater or other home comfort systems.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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