You rely on your water heater for bathing, cleaning and cooking. But these appliances can be real energy hogs if you don’t take care of them. The good news is that, with a little bit of easy maintenance, you can ensure that your water heater is running at full capacity and save some money on your energy bills.
Check the Temperature
That little dial on your water heater is important. It controls how hot the water gets. Most experts say that 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough for everything you need but not so hot that it wastes a ton of energy or burns you. If you have little kids at home, you might even want to set it a bit lower to be extra safe.
Give It a Good Flush
Minerals and sediment and minerals can build up in the tank over time. This buildup may make it so that your water heater must work harder and use more energy. Flushing your water heater once a year helps get rid of this gunk and keeps things running smoothly.
Insulate
If a cold spot in your home, like the basement or garage, houses your water heater, think about wrapping it in an insulating blanket. This helps keep the heat in and prevents it from escaping. This means your water heater won’t have to run as much to keep the water hot, which saves you energy and money.
Don’t Forget the Pipes
Those hot water pipes leading away from your water heater can lose heat too. Insulating them is a simple and effective way to save energy. You can find pipe insulation at most hardware stores. It’s easy to install, and it can make a real difference in your energy bills.
Know When to Say Goodbye
Water heaters don’t last forever. Even with the best care, they eventually wear out. It might be time to start thinking about replacing your water heater if it is more than 10 years old. Newer models are often much more energy efficient. This means they can save you a lot of money overall even though buying a new one is a bigger expense upfront.
Consider Going Tankless
A tankless water heater will heat water on demand instead of storing it in a big tank. This can be a smart way to save energy, especially if you don’t use a ton of hot water. Tankless water heaters are a bit more expensive, but they can really pay off over time with lower energy bills.
Caring for your water heater is an effective way to make your home more energy-efficient and save money. Follow the above tips to keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come and enjoy the benefits of lower energy bills. To schedule an inspection and maintenance for your water heater and additional help with energy efficiency, contact the team at Lesco Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Caldwell, NJ.
