Simple Energy Saving Tips Water Heaters

Simple energy-saving tips

Follow these simple tips to control your water heating costs:

• Reduce the temperature setting on your water heater to 120°F, or to 140°F if you have an automatic dishwasher without an internal heater. Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.

 • Use cool or cold water when washing clothes.

• Take showers lasting five minutes or less, rather than baths. Short showers use less hot water than baths.

• Fix leaky faucets to prevent hot water from being wasted.

• Run the dishwasher only when full.

• Most manufacturers recommend periodic draining of new water heaters to prevent sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank, which can cause a water heater to become noisy and less efficient. For older water heaters, most manufacturers recommend not draining them. Sediment build-up probably won’t be removed, and disturbing older plumbing fixtures on the tank may damage them or create water leaks. Follow all manufacturer instructions when draining your water heater to prevent damage to the appliance.

• When you go on vacation, turn the control knob on your gas water heater to the “Pilot” or “Vacation” position. If you have an electric water heater, shut if off at the circuit breaker.

Conservation products

Insulating blankets help minimize heat loss and can reduce operating costs by 9%. Many newer models are properly insulated and may not need a blanket. Check with the manufacturer to determine if an insulation blanket should be installed. If you do install a blanket, don’t cover the inspection plate with the blanket — it could be a fire hazard. You can also help keep the heat in the water by insulating all the hot plumbing lines you can get to (and the cold line back three feet from the heater). Use a good-quality plastic or rubber foam at least 3⁄4 inch thick. Do not cover unions or fittings.

Install low-flow shower heads

Low-flow shower heads help you save in two ways: they reduce the amount of hot water you use when showering, thus lowering heating costs; and they reduce overall water usage, which helps to lower your water bill. Flow restrictors can also be installed in faucets throughout your home to further reduce water heating costs.

Safety practices Water Heaters

All gas appliances have a main burner flame and many also have a pilot flame. To reduce the risk of flammable vapors being ignited by these flames, follow these tips:

• Water heaters installed in garages must be elevated so the pilot or other source of ignition is a minimum of 18 inches above the floor or installed per local building codes and the manufacturers’ installation instructions.

• Never store or use flammable products such as gasoline, paint thinner, or cleaning products in the same room or near any gas or heat-producing appliance.

Earthquakes can cause improperly secured water heaters to move or topple. To help prevent this, strap it firmly to the wall studs in two places the upper and lower one-third of the tank  with heavy bolts and metal tape. Be sure to place the lower strap at least four inches above the thermostat controls. Kits are often available at your local hardware store. Lower water heater temperature to prevent scalding accidents.
Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or even death.