Three Ways To Save Energy When It Comes To Water Heaters

If your water heater is older, purchasing a newer, energy-efficient model can help you to save on the energy usage and costs associated with water heaters. However, the cost of buying a new water heater is not cheap and yours may still have a few good years left in it. Here are a few different ways you can save energy when it comes to your water heater. 

Turn Down the Thermostat on Your Water Heater

Manufacturers of water heaters often have the default setting at 140 degrees Fahrenheit on their water heater tanks. However, most households only need the thermostat on their water heaters set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Reducing the temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save you four to 22 percent off the energy costs associated with your hot water heater annually. 

Insulate Your Water Heater Tank

Another way that you can conserve energy when it comes to your water heater is to insulate the tank. Water heater blankets are sheets of insulation that are designed to be wrapped around just the tank of your hot water heater. Hot water heater tanks are made of metal and often sit outside in a non-insulated garage. When it is cold outside, the metal tank gets cold. This causes the water in the tank to cool, which in turn causes your hot water heater to have to re-heat the water. Insulating the tank helps to keep the heated water warm, which cuts back on your energy usage. The amount of savings will vary based on the insulation blanket you select. The more insulating the blanket, the more energy savings you will see. 

Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater

The last way you can save energy when it comes to your hot water heater is by draining sediment from your water heater. It is recommended that the sediment be drained from the bottom of a hot water heater tank at least once a year. However, many people do not complete this task. Sediment from water, including dirt and minerals, can settle in the bottom of the tank. Unfortunately, this blocks the heating mechanism that heats the water. The heating mechanism has to provide enough heat to heat through the sediment to heat water, which causes it to run more. Not only does this increase the energy usage, but it decreases the lifespan of your water heater as well. 

Buying a new hot water heater is only one way to increase your energy efficiency when it comes to this water appliance. If it simply isn't in your budget or your unit otherwise works fine, consider lowering the temperature on yours, buying an insulating blanket or draining sediment from the water heater to save energy. Companies like Buchner Bernie Inc can help you with your water heater care needs.