How to Save Energy on Water Heating

Energy saving has to be one of the most frequently discussed topics in the water heating industry. Many individuals will pay hundreds of dollars more for the installation of a tankless water heater, because they know it will save them even more than the cost of installation on energy bills over the next decade or so. Installing a tankless water heater allows for instant flash-heated water for showers, washing dishes and washing clothing. The government gives even more tips on saving energy in addition to installing a tankless water heater. Here are some suggestions from energy.gov website:

Traditional Tank Water Heaters

Aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads help reduce the amount of water used at once. Leaky faucets should be fixed immediately, as gallons of water can be wasted within a day. Setting your thermostat on your heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can offer comfortable water for showers and washing. Insulation around the device excluding the top, bottom, thermostat and burner allows your water to stay warmer for a longer period of time inside a traditional tank water heater. Insulating the first 6 feet of piping from the water heater can also reduce energy costs. It may be best to consult a professional to insulate or change your thermostat for safety reasons. Buy only Energy Star rated models for any appliance that uses electricity or gas. Heat traps can also be installed on hot and cold pipes for older models. Draining the sediment in your tank every three months can improve the transfer of heat and efficiency of your water heater.

Long Term Savings

More drastic steps can be taken to improve the efficiency of your water heating system. They may cost more initially, but many report saving just as much or more in energy bills over time. Buying a new energy efficient water heater with an Energy Star label offers options for high efficiency gas non-condensing, electric heat pump, gas tankless and solar. You can save up to 30% on energy bills every month by switching to an on-demand water heater. A drain-water waste heat recovery system retrieves heat loss from used water from showers and dishwashers to pre-heat water to other appliances. Heat pump water heaters use 50% less electricity than any conventional electric water heater . Solar water heaters use the energy from the sun to heat the water instead of electricity, which could be the heating method of the future.
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Guest post provided by Payless Water Heaters. Same-day local installation is possible for tankless and conventional tank models. Visit http://www.paylesswaterheaters.net for more information.