In case you didn't know, water heating is second only to the HVAC system for the most energy usage in the average home. So, if you really want to reduce the amount of energy you use, jump in with both feet and get your water heating bill under control! Here's what to know about water conservation and water-heating efficiency.
Water Conservation Tips
Water conservation refers to using and wasting less water. In the following tips, the focus is on conserving hot water and the energy used to heat water.
- Showering: Try to limit showers to five minutes. This is a tough one for many people, but being mindful of shower times helps conserve. Further, only turn on the shower water when rinsing off soap.
- One cup: Brush your teeth using only one cup of water. Don't let the faucet run.
- Clothes washing: Only use cold water to wash clothes. If you're going to stick by this rule, turn off the hot-water valve to your clothes washer.
- Dishwasher: Only wash full loads of dishes. Consider upgrading to an Energy Star-certified dishwasher.
- Repairs: When a fixture, pipes or water heater leaks, fix it right away. It will only get worse, which costs more to fix and more energy wasted.
- Low-flow fixtures: Low-flow fixtures for your sinks and shower are a nice upgrade to save energy and boost aesthetics.
Water-Efficiency Tips
Water-heating efficiency means that you're employing efforts and measures to save energy and water heater performance with no loss in service. In fact, service is usually improved with these upgrades and tips:
- Temperature: Turn back your water heater's thermostat to 120 degrees. This saves energy and reduces the risk of scalding.
- Insulation: Wrap all hot water pipes in your home with foam insulation sleeves. Installing a water-heater insulation blanket can reduce standby heat loss and your water heating bill.
- Timer: Timers are effective and practical if you use hot water at specific times of the day -- such as morning or evening hours.
For the best tips lowering your water heating bill in your Fort Wayne home, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heating and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
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