When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, your water heater plays a key role. But if it is using too much energy, your bills can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are a few easy and budget-friendly ways to make your water heater run more efficiently. This will help reduce your monthly expenses without the need to buy a new appliance.
Add Extra Insulation with a Water Heater Blanket
One of the easiest ways to make your water heater more efficient is by adding a water heater blanket. Older water heaters, or those without built-in insulation, lose heat quickly. When heat escapes, your water heater must work harder, and that means higher energy bills. By wrapping the tank in a specially made blanket, you help keep the heat inside it.
Lower the Thermostat Setting
Many water heaters come preset to 140°F, but this temperature is often hotter than necessary. Around 120°F is hot enough for most household needs. You will still have plenty of hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry, but you will use less energy to keep it that hot. Plus, this change can make your home safer, especially if you have children or elderly household members who might be at risk of burns. Adjusting the thermostat is a quick and free way to start saving on energy.
Install a Water Heater Timer
If you are not using hot water around the clock, a water heater timer can help control when your water heater is working. With a timer, you can schedule the heater to turn off when you do not need hot water, like late at night or when everyone is at work or school. Then, you can have it turn back on before the busiest times.
Use Heat Traps to Reduce Heat Loss
Another helpful upgrade is installing heat traps on your water heater pipes. These devices prevent heat from escaping through the pipes when the water heater is not in use. Without heat traps, heat can easily rise and flow out, making your heater work more often to keep the water hot. By adding heat traps, you reduce this heat loss and help improve efficiency. A plumber can install them for you.
Maintain and Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater. This sediment reduces the amount of space available for hot water, and this makes your heater work harder to do its job. Flushing the tank at least once a year will help clear out this buildup and improve efficiency. Routine maintenance, like checking for leaks or other issues, can also keep your heater running smoothly and prevent some problems down the road.
By making a few simple adjustments to your water heater, you can cut energy costs and make sure it runs efficiently. For help with water heater upgrades in Montgomery, AL, reach out to Alabama Home Pros.