Most people don’t think about their water heaters until they stop working, but this one appliance quietly contributes to a significant portion of their energy costs. With the right strategies and professional support, you can reduce water heater energy usage without sacrificing comfort or hot water access. Precision Heating & Air in Dallas, GA, offers water heater services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. Read our expert-approved tips to lower your utility costs and extend the life of your water heater.
Professional Water Heater Inspection
Annual inspections from our licensed plumbers help keep your water heater in top shape. A thorough check involves flushing sediment from the tank, ensuring thermostat accuracy, and identifying worn components. We also perform testing and check the anode rod.
These visits prevent hidden issues from affecting performance and efficiency. For example, hard minerals can build up inside the tank, preventing the water heater from heating efficiently. The sediment acts as an insulation layer on the bottom of the tank. Removing this buildup helps your water heater use less energy while performing the same job as before.
Insulate the Tank and Pipes
The number one approach to improving energy consumption is to reduce heat loss. Older water heaters, especially those in unheated basements or garages, can lose heat through the pipes and tank walls. According to the US Department of Energy, wrapping your tank in an insulated cover can reduce standby heat loss by up to 45%.
You should also consider insulating the first few feet of the water pipes connected to your water heater to improve thermal performance. Our plumbing professionals can help you install the right insulating materials to ensure safe coverage that complies with local codes and manufacturer specifications.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Water Heater
If your system is more than 10 years old, upgrading may offer better returns than seeking repairs. Modern models with ENERGY STAR certification use significantly less energy than outdated water heaters. You can choose among many options, including the following.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, only heat water when necessary. They do not hold water in a tank, so you save money on electricity bills.
Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
These water heaters draw warmth from the surrounding air to heat water. They offer an economical operation that traditional water heaters cannot.
Condensing Gas Water Heaters
Condensing gas water heaters extract more heat from the exhaust gases than traditional models, increasing efficiency. They use a secondary heat exchanger to cool exhaust gases, cause condensation, and capture heat.
Our plumbers can help you determine which water heater will operate most efficiently in your home. We can help you choose based on your home’s size, occupancy, and layout.
Lower the Thermostat Setting
Most electric water heaters are preset to 140 degrees. Lowering the temperature to 120 can save you up to 10% on water heating costs, reducing the risks of scalding injuries, especially among children. You will still have plenty of hot water for showers, dishwashers, and laundry without excessive waste at this temperature setting.
Some thermostats are more difficult to adjust than others, especially if hidden behind a panel. We can adjust the thermostat and test the water temperature at your tap to ensure accuracy.
Fix Leaky Fixtures Promptly
Even small leaks from faucets, showerheads, or pipe joints can waste gallons of hot water daily. Hot water leaks and wasted water force your water heater to work much harder, reducing life span.
Our expert plumbers can quickly evaluate your plumbing system and find leaks and other problems. We can even find those hidden leaks that drain your water heater and produce higher energy costs. Investing in a plumbing evaluation can uncover issues early and prevent energy loss.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Standard showerheads and faucets can use more hot water than necessary. Upgrading to low-flow options reduces the volume of water used without compromising water pressure.
Our professional plumbers can install aerators, low-flow showerheads, and WaterSense-certified fixtures. These additions can maximize your savings. A few simple changes can cut back on water and energy usage.
Use Timers and Smart Controls
Water heater timers help you limit operation to specific hours, helping reduce standby energy loss. This is especially useful in households where occupants are away for long periods.
You can schedule remotely and track energy usage through your smartphone. Some smart models even learn your habits to optimize performance further.
Consider a Recirculation System
Traditional plumbing layouts allow hot water to travel long distances from the water heater to the faucet. This setup can lead to wasted energy and extended heating times.
A hot water recirculation system solves this issue by continuously moving hot water through the hot water lines. These systems work best when designed and installed by professional plumbers. We can pair these with motion sensors, timers, and thermostats to improve efficiency.
Switch to Cold Water When Possible
Using cold water for laundry, brushing your teeth, and rinsing dishes can help eliminate the undue stress on your water heater. This behavioral change becomes more effective when combined with other physical upgrades.
Our plumbers can reroute pipes, adjust valves, or install cold-water-specific fixtures in laundry rooms and mudrooms to support efficiency without inconvenience.
Add a Mixing Valve
A thermostatic mixing valve blends hot and cold water to prevent scalding injuries. They allow you to set your tank at a higher storage temperature while delivering a safer temperature at each tap.
This addition lets you store hot water with fewer reheating cycles, helping improve efficiency. Our licensed plumbers will install these devices on your faucets to ensure proper calibration and code compliance.
Evaluate Your Home’s Water Quality
Hard minerals accelerate scale buildup in both tank and tankless water heaters. If your home’s water has a high mineral content, you may need more frequent flushing or maintenance.
Consider installing a water softener if your water has an extremely high mineral content. These whole-home systems remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water before they enter your home. Softened water helps prevent sediment buildup and corrosion inside your water heater tank.
Upgrade Your Home’s Plumbing Design
Inefficient plumbing layouts, long pipe runs, excessive bends, or outdated materials can contribute to wasted heat and water. It’s worth considering discussing plumbing layout improvements with our plumbers.
For example, a dedicated return loop or centrally located water heater can reduce delivery time. PEX piping or other insulated materials preserve water temperature more effectively than old metal lines.
Improve Water Heater Energy Usage
Reducing energy usage from your water heater involves more than simply turning a knob. The most effective strategies require skilled input from professional plumbers. Our professionals understand system performance, home design, and local water conditions.
Precision Heating & Air offers timely repairs, installations, upgrades, and maintenance that can help keep your water heater operating more effectively and efficiently. Schedule an evaluation if your water heater seems to struggle or cause increased utility costs.
Call Precision Heating & Air to schedule an in-home evaluation in Dallas to learn ways to improve energy efficiency.
