Homeowners

Water heaters manufactured today are much more efficient then their predecessors. In addition to replacing an old water heater with a more efficient model, here are some other measures you can take to save energy while enjoying plentiful hot water for your home.

1. Get a Quality Installation

One of the easiest ways to save energy from your water heater is to install a new one and have it installed properly. Newer water tanks are better insulated and make hot water more efficiently. Find a qualified heating contractor.

2. Reduce Use

To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, and purchase an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.

3. Lower the Temperature

To conserve energy and prevent scalding, lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120ºF. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save 3 percent to 5 percent in energy costs.

4. Insulate the Tank and Pipes

• Check your water heater tank’s R-value of insulation; it should be at least R-24. If you touch your water tank and it is warm to the touch, it probably needs to be better insulated. Adding insulation can reduce standby heat losses by 25 percent to 45 percent and save you around 4 percent to 9 percent in water heating costs.
• Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the water heater. It also a good idea to insulate the cold water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet. Insulating hot water pipes can help you lower your water temperature setting by reducing heat loss and can raise water temperature 2ºF to 4ºF. It also can reduce the time it takes for hot water to arrive at your faucet, which helps conserve water.
• Safety Warning:For gas water heaters, be sure to keep insulation at least 6 inches from the flue. If pipes are within 8 inches of the flue, use fiberglass pipe-wrap (at least 1-inch thick) without a facing. You can use either wire or aluminum foil tape to secure it to the pipe.

5. Consider an ENERGY STAR® water heater. Beginning in 2009, highly efficient water heaters will be able to earn the ENERGY STAR label to help consumers make efficient choices.