As the temperature outside begins to drop, the prospect of a
hot shower at the end of a long day becomes even more appealing. A few simple
tips can help you get the most out of your home’s water heater for comfortable
living all winter long.
Adjust the
Temperature
Water heaters have variable temperature settings, allowing
homeowners to choose the temperature of their hot water. The higher the temperature
setting, the more energy your water heater uses. The ideal temperature setting
on your water heater is essentially a balance between your comfort level and
the cost of using the appliance. Most water heaters come from the manufacturer
set at 140 degrees, which is higher than the average home needs. In fact, water
at the hottest setting on your appliance can easily scald in seconds. Set your
water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid injury. This
temperature should be sufficient for any household tasks, including comfortable
bathing. If you are constantly turning up the temperature on your water heater
but not getting the hot water you need, it’s time to call in a professional to
check for problems. You can also turn down the heat on your water heater if
you’ll be away from home for more than a few days. Set the dial to low or
“vacation” mode to reduce the amount of energy used by your water heater and save
money on your utility bill.
Use Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow
showerheads and sink faucets can reduce your water usage by up to 60%.
Using less water means using less hot water as well, which lowers the cost of
running your water heater. Especially if your home is host to a large number of
people, low-flow fixtures can stretch a possibly limited hot water supply
farther, meaning everyone will be more comfortable. Even if your home utilizes
a tankless water heater, reducing your hot water usage during the winter with
low-flow fixtures puts less pressure on your system and still reduces the cost
of obtaining hot water
Go Tankless
If your home has a tank water heater that is 10 years old or
more, replacing it with a tankless water heater can help you save money and
enjoy more hot water. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than
keeping a storage tank continually at the set temperature. In a home that uses
41 gallons of water a day or less, you can enjoy up to 34% in energy savings.
Even if you use more than 41 gallons a day, you can still achieve savings of up
to 14% due to increased efficiency. In order to maximize the savings you enjoy
from your tankless water heater, take shorter showers and run appliances such
as dishwashers and washing machines only when you can clean a full load of
dishes or clothing.
Using your water heater wisely this
winter will ensure your Omaha home has plenty of hot water while lowering the
cost of your monthly utilities. If you’re having water heater problems or are
ready to replace your current model, visit our website
to find out how Aksarben/ARS can help. You can find more tips on water heater
and HVAC maintenance for a comfortable home on our blog.
No comments:
Post a Comment