Water heating is the second largest expense in your home. 64 gallons are used by the average household each day. This means that $400-600 is being spent each year by the average household! No one likes to spend money…especially for it to just, well, literally go down the drain.
Energy Star and Energy Saver have put together the following tips:
8 Ways to Reduce Your Water Heating Bills
- Turn down your water heater's thermostat. 120 degrees is recommended. For every 10 degrees you turn down your water heater, you save 3-5% in energy costs. * CAUTION * The electricity should be turned OFF before adjusting electric water heaters.
Wash your clothes in cold water. According to Real Simple magazine, “The consensus is that cold water is more than up to the challenge of washing everyday laundry. ‘Technological advances, in both machines and detergents (not just the cold-specific kind), have made cold-water washing a highly effective option,’ says Colorado-based clothing-care expert Steve Boorstein. Sometimes it’s safer than using hot water.”- Fix leaks. A leak of one drip per second can cost $1 a month.
- Buy a more efficient model or consider installing a solar water heater.
- Install low-flow faucets and shower heads. Low-flow fixtures cost about $10-20 apiece. They achieve water savings of 25-60%
- Purchase Energy Star appliances. [You know they had to plug themselves in their tips!]
- Use less hot water. Tips #1, 2, and 5 will help you do this.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for ways to insulate your water heater tank and pipes. This is an inexpensive way to reduce standby heat losses. It will save you 4-9% in water heating costs.
