Published: March 12, 2021
Your hot water tank is in good shape and you’ve got the temperature set at an energy-saving 120°F. Now all you have to do is sit back and watch the savings flow right on to your energy bills, right? Well, there are a few more things you can do to stop the drain of energy and water costs on your household budget.
1. Insulate hot water pipes
Bare hot water pipes radiate energy waste. Insulate accessible hot water pipes coming out of your water heater tank. Pipe insulation kits are available at your local home improvement retailer. It’s a simple and low-cost project you can tackle yourself.
2. Run full loads
Operating your dishwasher and clothes washer when they are only partly full is a waste of energy and water. Wait until you have a full load. Also, wash clothes using cold water whenever you can.
3. Go low-flow
Install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators in your bathroom and kitchen. They’ll use less water and energy while still providing a comfortable flow. Look for WaterSense-labeled products, which meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specifications for efficiency and performance. This is also a simple, do-it-yourself project.
If your water heater is older or in need of repair, consider upgrading to a new ENERGY STAR® unit. These are independently certified to use less energy than standard models. ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers and clothes washers are also more energy- and water-efficient than standard units.
You should also take shorter showers, turn off the tap when you don’t need water and fix leaks as soon possible. With these simple tips, you can start saving energy and water today.
Trussville Gas & Water offers a rebate program for purchasing a new, natural gas water heater. Visit our website HERE for addition information.