Do You Want to Save Energy on Your Hot Water Heater?

If your family uses a lot of hot water, you will have great opportunities for energy savings waiting for you. Water heating accounts for about 15% of energy costs in a typical manufactured home. Improving the energy efficiency of the water heater can save a significant amount of money over the water heater’s lifetime. No matter whether your home uses electric or gas-fired water heaters, you can certainly benefit from water heater maintenance and efficiency improvements.

Here are a few simple actions you can take to reduce your water heating costs:

1. Insulate the tank. This is one of the most effective and least expensive energy-saving steps you can take. By doing this, you will keep the heat within the tank longer and reduce the losses to the atmosphere.
   
   You can obtain insulation jackets for water heaters for $20 or less at home centers. Follow the installation instructions that come with the jacket. Alternatively, standard fiberglass batt insulation can be used. Seal the seams with vinyl tape, and wrap the entire heater loosely with wire ties to hold the insulation in place.
   
   No matter how you choose to insulate the water heater, pay close attention to these safety instructions:
   
   • Cover the sides and top of the heater, but cut flaps for the electric element access panels and the thermostat. This will make it easier for replacement later.
     
     
   • Do not cover warning labels on the tank. You will want to be reminded of any precautions.
     
     
   • Do not insulate gas or oil-fired water heater tanks. Over time, the insulation may sag, blocking air intakes and creating a safety hazard.
     
     
   • Shut off power before attempting any work on your electric water heater. Make sure the power to it is shut off at the circuit breaker.
   
   
   
2. Fix any leaky faucets and showerheads. If hot water is leaking, you are wasting huge amounts of water, and energy! A leak that produces one drop per second will waste over 190 gallons per month, or 2,300 gallons per year. A leak that fills an 8-ounce cup in a minute will waste 2,700 gallons per month and 33,000 gallons per year — enough to fill a swimming pool!
   
   
3. Insulate water pipes leading from the tank. By doing this, you will slow down the heat loss. It also raises the temperature of hot water at the tap by 2° to 4°, which allows you to lower the temperature setting on the water heater.
   
   Pipe insulation is usually a foam sleeve, slit lengthwise, that costs less than 50¢ per foot at home centers. Insulate all of the hot water piping that is accessible, especially the first six feet of pipe coming out of the water heater. Fasten the insulation sleeve with electrical tape, wire or cable ties at least once per foot. Choose pipe insulation whose inside diameter is the same as the outside diameter of the pipe.
   
   
4. Lower the water heater thermostat. For every 10° you turn down the water heater, you’ll save about 3% to 5% on water heating costs. A setting of 120° (usually halfway between "low" and "medium") is usually hot enough. You can check the actual temperature of your water at the taps by continually running hot water into a cup with a thermometer placed in it.
   
   
5. Clean the tank. Sediments in the tank decrease its energy efficiency. You can improve on this by draining the water once a year. The heating elements and thermostat may also need to be serviced by a technician.
   
   
6. Turn off the water heater when you’ll be away for an extended period. No matter how good the insulation is at your heater, some heat is lost all the time.
   
   
7. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These are screwed into standard faucets to reduce the flow and aerate the water, so that it still feels like a full flow. These cost just a dollar or two, and can pay back the expense in just a few months.
   
   
8. Replace an old water heater. If a water heater was manufactured before 1980, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a more efficient model. Check the EnergyGuide label to determine the unit’s energy efficiency. Replace it with a tankless heater

Just a few simple actions taken on your water heater can make some difference in your energy bills. Changing to a more efficient tankless heater will make better sense if you have an old heater.

Thomas Yoon specializes in cartoon illustrations that will make an impact on people's opinions. Subscribe to TechMarketing Ezine. More information on engineering at Marine and M & E Engineer.