Reduce Water Heater Energy Use
Posted by easy eco blog
Here are a couple easy ways to reduce the amount of energy your water heater uses:
1) Lower the setting so that water is heated to about 110-120 degrees. Many are set to 140 or higher.
2) Wrap the water heater in an insulating thermal blanket. Cost about $10. Possible savings of 4-9% on your water heating bill. Also insulate the hot water pipe, cost about $2 per foot.
3) Use less hot water. Take faster showers and use low flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save water.
4) If you are in earthquake territory, strap your water heater to the wall and install flexible hoses.
5) Wash your hands with cold water. Hot water hasn’t been proven to remove germs better.
Consider a tankless water heater when replacing a water heater. These new models heat water on demand, not continuously. They have Energy Factor (EF) ratings of about 0.80. They are not for everyone, I was unable to use one because of the gas pipe and exhaust requirements.
Alternately you could replace your water heater with a modern more efficient unit. Natural Gas models have up to 0.67 Energy Factor (EF) ratings now. Modern electric ones have a 0.93 Energy Factor.
Related posts:
- Tankless Water Heater
- Energy Efficient Eco Friendly Water Heater
- Hybrid Water Heaters – GE GeoSpring Water Heater
- Federal Tax Credit on Energy Efficient Water Heaters
- Solar Water Heater
- New California Solar Water Heater Rebate
- Hot Water Recirculating Pumps
- Amish built fireplace heater Advertisement
Filed under: Conservation, Easy, Effort, Energy, Environment, Medium, Reduce, Water | Tags: water heater
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5 Responses to “Reduce Water Heater Energy Use”
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February 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
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May 31st, 2009 at 5:22 am
I’d avoid setting the water heater’s thermostat any lower than 149 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees celcius). Legionella bacteria thrive in hot water below that temperature, and that’s a very real health risk.
Also, while the thermal blankets you can buy certainly is the neatest looking option for insulating your heater, you don’t really need it if your heater is in a place where esthetics don’t matter much. I recently wrote a blog post on how to insulate your water heater for free (or at least very cheaply)
December 17th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I would like to share my experience with a green hot water system installed in my home. The Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve is the right choice for people who are looking for tankless water heater. It saves electricity and water significantly. It has been installed in our home last year and this hot water recirculation system is working satisfactorily. It took only 10 minutes to be installed. No electricity is needed to run this system. It is a zero maintenance system. This instant hot water pump is an exclusively designed system which saves energy and time by maintaining the appropriate temperature of water in the hot water recirculation system. Thanks to this thing, It has made my life a bit relaxing and easier.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:42 am
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