Timers to Automatically Shut it Down

Water heating is the second largest energy user in the home, so it’s critical to take steps towards a greener future. The good news is that a smarter water heater offers essential grid, energy, and climate benefits, including increased interconnectivity, control, and flexibility to meet both customer and utility needs.

Investing in energy-efficient models and water heater accessories like shut-down timers will help reduce electricity consumption and increase energy savings. Timers come with settings that allow you to program the on and off times according to your household’s hot water usage patterns and preferences. This programming can be done through a control panel or interface on the timer device itself.

Timers are a simple addition that helps reduce the electricity your water heater draws while not in use. These get wired into your water heater’s electrical supply and can be set to turn on or off at specified times, ensuring it doesn’t become an energy vampire and does not affect the faucets.

Water heaters constantly maintain the temperature of the water in the tank, even when hot water isn’t being used. This leads to standby heat loss, where energy is wasted keeping the water hot. You can minimize standby heat loss and save energy by using timers to shut down the heater when hot water isn’t needed, such as overnight or during the day when the household is vacant.

Expansion Tanks

As hot water expands, it needs somewhere to go, or excessive pressure could build up and potentially damage the hot water pipes or even burst the tank. An expansion tank provides that space for the expanding hot water by holding it in a pressurized environment. A typical expansion tank looks similar to a propane gas tank and is installed on the cold water line before it enters your water heater.

An expansion tank has half filled with water from the plumbing system and the other half with pressurized air. As the water in your home expands, it pushes against the rubber bladder in the expansion tank and further compresses the air on the other side.

Excessive pressure buildup in hot water systems can cause extensive damage and pose health risks to people using them. An expansion tank can absorb that extra pressure and redirect it away from pipes and the water heater, reducing water heating costs and protecting people from injury or death.

We can install an expansion tank for you. You can test whether it functions correctly by tapping it with a metal object. If it is a working expansion tank, the bottom will sound hollow, and the top will sound like it has a clank in it.

Water Heater Pan Leak Detectors

Water leaks can be a big problem for homeowners. Not only do they lead to expensive property damage, but they also cost money to repair. Water heater leak detection systems detect a leak and can shut off your water supply, helping you avoid significant damage.

If you have an older water heater, installing a tank leak detector is an intelligent choice. These devices sit under the water heater and monitor for leaks or overflows. They can even connect your home’s Wi-Fi to your smartphone and alert you to any issues.

Water Heater Insulation Pipes

Hot water that travels through uninsulated pipes loses heat as it heads to sinks, showers, and dishwashers. Wrapping pipes in insulation can keep the water 2 to 4 degrees warmer, saving the energy needed to heat the water. Home improvement stores can purchase insulation in ready-to-install pre-slit foam sleeves (neoprene or polyethylene).

You can also purchase rolls of fiberglass insulation to cut down to size and secure with duct tape or zip ties. Moreover, instead of installing the insulation pipes yourself, you should call a professional company like Tommies Plumbing. This will save you hassle and protect your water heater from potential damage.

Insulation Blankets

Water heater insulation blankets are another easy-to-install accessory that can significantly reduce energy bills by minimizing heat loss through the water heater’s walls. They wrap around the water heater and are often available in different thicknesses.

Insulation blankets are typically fiberglass, foam, or other insulating materials. Wrapping the water heater with these blankets reduces heat loss from the tank. This means the water heater can work less hard to maintain the desired temperature, saving energy.

Thermostat

A smart thermostat can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your conventional tank water heater by shifting heating cycles to off-peak hours (when electricity rates are lower) and optimizing usage times. This can result in significant energy savings, cost reductions, and a healthier planet – one hot shower at a time.

With smart thermostats, you can set specific water temperature targets for your water heater based on your preferences and hot water usage patterns. The thermostat then regulates the water heater to maintain the desired temperature, helping to avoid overheating and energy waste.

Conclusion

Enhancing your water heater installation with energy-saving accessories and features reduces energy costs and contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. These accessories help minimize standby heat loss, optimize energy usage, and prevent potential damage from pressure buildup or leaks, ultimately extending the water heater’s lifespan.

Get the Best Water heater Installation Service

At Tommie’s Plumbing, we understand the importance of a well-installed water heating system for maximum energy efficiency. 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

If you have any more questions about the topic, read on!