9 Tips To Help You Save Energy On Water Heating

9 Tips To Help You Save Energy On Water Heating

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Your water heating system can account for up to 25% of the energy you use at home. Fortunately you can easily and cheaply reduce the amount of energy you use and save yourself some money by implementing some of the following tips.

1. Have a shower instead of a bath. A quick shower uses less water than a bath, so that's less water that has to be heated.

2. Fix any leaks and dripping taps as soon as you notice them. You can lose a lot of water with just one dripping tap in the course of a day.

3. Install low flow shower heads and taps. The water coming out of your shower or taps often flows much faster than is needed. Low flow fittings aerate the water so you still experience a similar water pressure.

This means that you are not wasting as much hot water and thereby saving you money.

4. Use cold water whenever you can. Rinse your dishes in cold water before putting them in the dishwasher. Fill your kettle and saucepans with water from the cold tap and only use as much water as you need.
You don't need a full kettle of water for just one cup of tea or coffee.

5. Wash your clothes at 30 degrees instead of 40 degrees. This will save a lot of energy over the course of time. Most washing machines will do a perfectly adequate wash at a lower temperature.

6. Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher are energy efficient. Old appliances tend to use more energy. Make sure they have an energy star rating.

7.Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. The default setting is often much higher than needed. Generally 120 degrees F is a comfortable temperature for most purposes. If the water is too hot you risk scalding yourself. At a rough estimate you can use up to 15% more electricity for every 50 degrees above the correct setting.

8.Insulate your hot water tank. A lot of heat can be lost through the tank even when you aren't using any hot water. Be careful not to cover the thermostat, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

If you're uncertain, seek professional help, especially if you heat your water with natural gas or oil.

9. Insulate the hot and cold water pipes connected to your hot water cylinder using any left over materials from insulating your hot water tank.

When It's Time To Install A New Hot Water System

Although most modern water heaters are designed to last 10-15 years it's a good idea to think about replacing it if it's more than 7 years old. The most environmentally friendly and cost effective option is a solar power system. But do your research first to make sure you have the right conditions to support it

The initial cost to install a solar water heating system can be very high, but the cost will be offset over about 10 year's time as you will reduce your water heating bill by up to 65% a year.

Energy prices have increased and are likely to continue to do so, as non-renewable energy sources dwindle. Since a solar water heating system has no ongoing energy costs the more the power costs go up, the more you'll save by installing a solar system.

About the Author:
Reduce the cost of your energy bills by making your own solar water heater. This isn't as difficult as it sounds, providing you have a little bit of diy experience. For information on making your own solar panels visit



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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