Cutting Your Energy Bill | Reducing Hot Water Use At Home

In the fight to save energy, one area you need to focus on is the hot water system. It constantly heats up the water and ensures you enjoy it whenever you need it. Though that comes in handy, it also leads to high energy usage. The water heater uses about 17 percent of your home's total energy consumption, which is more than all the other household appliances together. One of the best ways to decrease your energy bill is by reducing the hot water consumption at your home. If you're looking to save more energy, then here are the best ways to do so.

Lower the Thermostat Temperatures

Normally, tank thermostats are usually preset at 60^oC (140^oF) or higher, which is normally too high. It increases the risk of scalding and obtaining burns. You could lower those temperatures by a 20 degree margin and still have water that's hot enough for your needs. For every 10 degree drop, you could enjoy up to a 5% save in energy. However, when you are going to set the temperatures in your thermostat, be extra careful. This is particularly important if you are inexperienced and your thermostat has no numbered gauge. You may damage the heater or worse, injure yourself by electrocution.

Use Low Flow Fixtures

For a good save, you could replace your fixtures with low flow ones especially if you bought yours many years ago. The showerheads are a good place to start. Since you and your family use water from the shower multiple times on a daily basis, a good head would save you a lot. Go for aerating showerheads that mix air with water. That means that you'll spend less on the amount of hot water you use.

Also get quality faucets that conserve water. You could get aerators, which are screwed at the tip of the faucets to limit the flow of water. Some aerators are equipped with shut-off valves that have the ability to completely cut off the flow of water and still maintain its hot temperatures.

Get Rid of the Sediment

After using the heating tank for a while, sediments normally build up in them. They greatly reduce the efficiency of the heater and eat into your energy savings. The solution is to ensure you drain your tank a few times a year.

The process is simple. Cut off the power and water to the unit and connect a hose pipe at the bottom of the tank. Afterwards, gently and gradually lift the pressure relief valve and water will start to flow out.