Install a Low-Flow Showerhead

Showering accounts for as much as 40% of household water consumption, so finding ways to cut back can save money and be an easy way to cut your consumption by up to 27.3 therms per shower! Installing a low-flow showerhead could cut this number even further!

Showerheads typically have a maximum flow rate of 2.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM), the industry standard since 1992. Although that may seem like little water initially, it quickly adds up. Conserving both energy and water is equally essential to environmental sustainability.

Insulate the Hot Water Tank

A hot water tank holds many gallons of hot water used throughout a household, and without insulation, water heating costs more to keep warm than necessary. Insulating can significantly reduce these expenses. Although insulated tanks may be expensive, their benefits quickly pay off in terms of electricity savings.

Non-flammable insulation, such as fiberglass, is best for properly insulating a tank. Once attached to your tank, it should be secured firmly, ensuring an effective seal. Before installing insulation, it’s also best to shut off your heat pump, water heater, and gas valve.

Insulation should cover the entire tank and three feet of piping to lower energy bills and keep water temperatures down on your water heater. By adding insulation to pipes, heat energy lost through them won’t radiate into the air and cause temperature increases on your water heater, enabling you to lower its settings more easily. You can complete this DIY task in just one day.

Lower the Thermostat

Cranking up your heating can quickly lead to higher energy costs in winter. However, easy and effective solutions are available to keep costs under control, from adjusting your thermostat settings to using cold water for laundry.

One straightforward strategy for conserving energy is lowering the thermostat at night and when away. Your comfort level, household size, and whether or not peak electricity pricing applies will all play a part.

Experts advise setting your thermostat between 7 and 10 degrees at night and leaving for over four hours during the day. This can save about 10% of yearly energy costs, though other considerations, such as family schedules, must also be considered.

A programmable thermostat makes managing these settings throughout the year much simpler.

Use Cold Water

Storage water heaters consume approximately 15% of household energy and are among the costliest appliances. However, there are easy ways to reduce costs and save water, such as using cold water for laundry, dishwashing, cleaning, and essential grooming.

Water enters your heater via a dip tube and passes over two heating elements powered by either your house’s 240v system or, in the case of gas water heaters, an independent gas burner. As temperature increases, more energy is consumed; lowering it further could save up to 10% off your energy bill.

Consider upgrading to a tankless model if your heater is old or damaged. Tankless water heaters don’t use storage tanks like traditional ones. Instead, they operate directly on demand, saving up to 24%—34% in energy costs while not needing an electrical upgrade like traditional tanks do.

When it’s time for an upgrade, call Junk King to dispose of the old heat pump water heaters safely. The environment and your wallet will thank you!

Drain the Tank

Many homeowners are worried about the rising cost of heating their homes. They take steps to cut heating expenses while still providing their families with comfort, yet often overlook that water heaters account for significant energy expenditure.

Adjusting your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees can significantly reduce gas and electricity usage and your bill. Insulating hot water pipes is another effective way to lower energy costs. We recommend insulating at least the first six feet from your heater. This will maintain water temperature from its source to your faucet while using less energy for heating.

Installing a timer on your heat pump water heaters is another way to lower bills. Turning it off during sleeping hours and leaving the house reduces its electrical usage, saving money and prolonging its lifespan.

Conclusion

Efficient water heater installation isn’t just about having hot water—it’s about maximizing energy savings and minimizing utility costs. By implementing simple strategies like adjusting thermostat settings, insulating hot water tanks and pipes, using low-flow fixtures, and practicing smart water usage habits, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy consumption and save money in the long run.

Contact Tommie’s Plumbing for Water Heater Installation

At Tommie’s Plumbing, we understand the importance of a well-installed water heating system. With our expertise and dedication to quality service, we offer various services, including water heater installation, tankless water heaters, sewer and drain cleaning, assistance with high water bills, and fixing high water pressure issues.

Don’t compromise on comfort and safety—contact Tommie’s Plumbing today for reliable solutions tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answered some of the most important questions related to the energy efficiency tips.