Second only to the cost of heating and cooling a home, water heating is the next large portion of a typical household utility bill. Water heating is usually responsible for around 18% of a home's utility costs each month. By using more efficient methods of heating and limiting water usage in your household, you can lower your home's carbon footprint, save money and help to conserve one of the world's most precious resources.
There are many different types of water heaters available on the market. The most popular type is the traditional system with a large tank for storing a supply of hot water. This kind of water heater is low in cost and delivers hot water to the shower head or faucet when the hot water tap is turned.
Consider your location and climate before deciding between tankless systems and systems that use a storage tank. A tankless water heating system is typically powered by gas or electricity. Such systems have a low maintenance cost when compared with a system that uses a storage tank. This is because the storage tanks have a tendency to develop rust and mineral build-up through hard water. On the other hand, the tankless systems may not be cost-effective for houses that are located in warmer climates.
You can use the following water heating tips to lower the cost and energy usage for your home's hot water needs.
Inspect the energy label from the manufacturer. It will explain the annual energy usage and operating cost for the system. You can also look for a model that is Energy Star rated. These systems use about 30% less power than other similar models without the rating. Consider converting to solar systems and only using electricity or gas as a backup heating method.
Keep in mind the fuel type, as gas powered boilers are more energy efficient than electrically powered ones. If you have a family, a regular boiler will be more efficient than a combi boiler. Consider the amount of space you have and whether the system is compatible with the existing solar heating.
These systems are able to recover the heat of your waste water from showering, washing dishes and using the clothes washer in order to apply it to heat new, clean water.
Follow the owner's manual guidance on draining water heater storage tanks in order to remove sediment. Check the heater regularly for rust stains and slow leaks. Have gas-powered systems professionally serviced and checked for proper flue operation.
These systems use fewer litres of water per cycle and do not generate as much excess heat when heating the water. The newer appliances are designed to only use as much heat as needed.
You can purchase an insulation blanket and wrap it around the storage tank of the water heater. Sleeves are available for wrapping around hot water pipes to reduce heat loss through the metal.
Wash shirts and trousers in cold water. Take shorter showers and avoid taking baths. Use cold water for rinsing your dishes.
Older units will have a dial while newer systems may have a digital thermostat. Set it to no hotter than 50 degrees Celsius.
Almost half of drinking water is used to irrigate lawns and gardens. Most homeowners overwater their lawns. Consider replacing an old, automated irrigation setup with an above-ground, non-automated irrigation system. The above-ground systems use half as much water.
Make sure that your irrigation equipment has a functional rain or moisture sensor that controls the system. This smart device ensures that your lawn is only watered when needed using the correct amount of water. Irrigation systems should shut off during and after rain storms.
You can also save water by making some changes to your landscaping. Choose drought-tolerant grasses that grow deeper roots and do not die off during dry conditions.
Improving your home irrigation system, in addition to conserving water and selecting energy efficient water heating systems, can significantly lower your utility bills. These techniques also help reduce the use of fuels and natural resources, the most important of which is water.