Posted: October 23, 2017
If you’re like the average home owning family in the US, about 20 percent of your annual energy bill comes from heating the water you need to clean your clothes, your dishes, and…well, yourselves.
If you don’t want that much of your hard-earned money going down the drain, there are four basic ways to cut down on your use of heated H20:
1. Use less water – Hot water gallons add up quickly; consider how much hot water each of these common tasks uses:
Making small lifestyle or equipment changes can have a big impact on the amount of hot water you use – installing low-flow water faucets and shower heads, for example, can cut your rate of hot water use in half with no loss in comfort, while using the cold setting on your washing machine can save you dozens of gallons every month.
2. Insulate your hot water pipes – The first six feet or so of the hot water pipes connected to the water heater is where the majority of the heat is lost on stored water’s journey from tank to tap or appliance; at minimum, insulate that section of pipe. Also consider insulating your water heater’s tank to reduce the need to reheat stored water.
3. Adjust the water heater’s thermostat – Many manufacturers set their water heating thermostat to a default of 130° or more; the EPA says that 120° is plenty for most applications.
4. Upgrade to a propane tankless water heater – You can avoid the hassles of conventional water heaters altogether by switching to a tankless propane water heater, which instantly heats as much water as you need – and only the water you need.
Install one of these high-tech systems and you’ll cut your bills by thirty percent or more every month. They save space, too, with a footprint about the size of a suitcase.
Considering investing in a new water heater? Why not go tankless and save? Contact Parker Gas today for a FREE estimate on a high-efficiency water heater upgrade for your North Carolina home.