Heating water is one of the largest utility expenses of a home. When you consider how a traditional hot water tank operates, it becomes easy to understand how much energy and money is wasted. Basically, a hot water tank keeps water hot and available for immediate use. The temperature of the water within the tank is maintained through a thermostat, normally kept at 170 degrees. As heat escapes the tank and energy is used to heat the water. How water tanks are generally very inefficient and minimally insulated.
Here are a few tips and ideas that can help you cut your water consumption and water heating costs. First, lower the water tank temperature (located on the side, sometimes near the bottom of the tank). This will allow the tank to work less since it does not have to maintain such a high temperature. If you mix in cold water with the hot for showers and baths, then you will definitely benefit by turning the temperature down a few degrees. Does it make sense to spend money heating hot water to the point where you have to mix it in with cold water before you can use it?
Second, insulating the hot water heater will help the tank retain the heat. Escaping heat causes the water within the tank to cool, thereby requiring additional energy to reheat it. Many hardware and big name home stores sell kits, sometimes known as hot water tank blankets, for insulating hot water tanks. For safety reasons, make sure you follow the directions and only use proper hot water tank insulation materials. The kits will have everything needed to properly insulate a hot water tank. If not listed in the directions, it is very important to never insulate the top of a non-electric tank. It is also important to use the proper materials to insulate your tank. Do not attempt to use a blanket or other home made material not designed for the job as his can result in the material catching fire. Use properly designed insulation for this task.
In addition to insulating the hot water heater, hardware stores also sell foam insulation wraps designed for the water pipes. This will help prevent heat from escaping the pipes that reduced the temperature of the hot water, requiring the temperature on the hot water heater to be higher.
There are additional steps that can help reduce the cost of the water bill. Washing laundry in cold water, not only saves money on hot water, but it also helps to prolong the life of the clothes. Only use warm or hot water for the most soiled clothing. Make sure you use the appropriate water level for the size wash being done. Always try doing full wash loads, but when less laundry is being done, you can prevent wasting water by making sure the wash load size controls are reduced appropriately.
Finally, a leaky faucet will waste an amazing amount of water over a short time. Check faucets and toilets for leaks and install high efficient shower heads that will yield a big savings over a short time. Installing shower heads and replacing leaky faucet seals are very simple tasks that take very little time. Also shorting time in the shower will save much in the way of water consumption and hot water costs
These ideas will not only help your budget , they yield big savings to you and the environment.
