8 Ways to Save On Your Hot Water Bills

Hot water is a necessity in many households. Homeowners depend on it for showering, laundry, and cleaning dishes. Therefore, your utility bills might increase exponentially due to the high hot water demand. The following tips can help cut your hot water bills without sacrificing comfort.

1. Use Low-Flow Fixtures

High-flow fixtures are notorious for increasing energy bills. They allow a lot of water to run, meaning the water heater has to overwork to heat large amounts of water. On the other hand, low-flow fixtures can reduce hot water usage when showering or cleaning. With low-flow fixtures, you can conserve water and still cut your energy bills.

2. Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Leaky faucets and pipes can increase your utility bills. The drips might seem negligible, but they can quickly add up to thousands of gallons of water in a year. So, don't ignore any pipes or faucets with slow leaks. Apart from the water wastage, you'll have to pay for the energy you use to heat the water lost through leaks.

3. Flush Sediment From Your Tank

Sediment buildup in the water heater tank creates a barrier between the water and the heating element, making it difficult to heat water. The sediment affects the efficiency of your water heater, which is why the heater uses a lot of energy. Amazingly, an annual flush can improve your water heater's efficiency. After flushing sediment out of your tank, the water heater should heat your water faster, reducing your utility bill.

4. Insulate Your Water Pipes

Water can lose a lot of heat as it travels from the heater to your fixtures. The heat loss explains why you must run the tap for some time before it reaches the right temperature. Unfortunately, people waste so much water waiting for it to hit perfect temperatures. Insulating your water pipes can help keep the water warmer as it travels to your faucets. You only need to insulate the pipes that run from the heater to your taps.

5. Adjust the Thermostat

Your thermostat settings can impact your energy bills. Therefore, lower the temperature settings to reduce your energy bills. A low-temperature setting means your water heater doesn't need to work hard to achieve the set temperatures.

Moreover, the water heater will heat the water fast, meaning everyone can get hot water on demand. Ensure the temperature setting isn't too low, as it might favor the survival of Legionella bacteria in your plumbing fixtures.

6. Service Your Water Heater

Your water heater must work throughout the year to meet your household's hot water demands. Unfortunately, all that work wears down the heater, making it less efficient. Invest in annual maintenance to improve your water heater's efficiency. A well-maintained water heater is energy-efficient. As a result, you don't have to fret about high utility bills if you invest in routine maintenance.

7. Upgrade Your Water Heater

An aging water heater may no longer be efficient even when you try to maintain it. You'll always spend a lot on utility bills as long as you use an old unit. Therefore, if you own a 10-year-old unit, consider upgrading to a new, modern unit. You can even opt for a tankless water heater if you want a great energy-saving option.

8. Wash Clothes in Cold or Warm Water

Many homeowners waste energy by washing clothes in hot water. And since hot water isn't a requirement for optimum cleaning, you can set your machine to run on cold or warm water. Besides, you can rinse the clothes in cold water to reduce energy costs.

Small changes in habits can help you save money on your hot water bills. Moreover, you can consult our plumbing experts at Mike's Plumbing for professional advice. Contact us today for assistance.