6 Ways to Lower Water Heating Costs at Home

If you could take apart your utility bills, you would find that water heating contributes greatly to your monthly costs — second only to heating and cooling. It’s no surprise, then, that you’re looking for ways to lower water heating costs. Follow these six easy tips to heat water efficiently.

• Install low-flow fixtures: Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads mix air with water to deliver a 25 to 60 percent lower flow rate without decreasing water pressure. Inexpensive kitchen and bathroom upgrades pay for themselves by helping to lower water heating costs.
• Take shorter showers: Get the most savings possible from a low-flow showerhead by taking short showers instead of deep baths. Trimming off just two minutes in the shower every day can save 150 gallons per month if your showerhead has a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.
• Lower the water heater temperature: If you have a traditional tank water heater, it’s probably set to the default setting of 140 degrees. You can safely lower the holding temperature to 120 degrees without risking microbial growth in the tank. This can lower water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent.
• Insulate the water heater: Newer units come with insulation built in, but if your tank is several years old, it probably lacks insulation. You can find special jackets at a home improvement store, but it’s recommended you leave installation to a professional to prevent covering any critical components.
• Wash laundry in cold water: Use special low-temperature detergent to help your clothes get just as clean in cold water. If you must wash certain batches in hot water, such as bedding and towels, still rinse in cold.
• Wash dishes efficiently: Avoid pre-rinsing dishes and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. If you hand wash dishes, plug the sink instead of leaving the tap open.

At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.

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