Water Heater Tip: Improving Water Heater Efficiency
admin • October 22, 2012

Improving the efficiency of the water heater in your Olympia area home will depend on several factors. The type of water heater installed in your home is the first factor, and improving efficiency can be easy if you know what to do.

If you want to increase the efficiency of your water heater, there are a few initial steps to take. If you have questions or would like more water heating tips, call the expert plumbers at Brooks Plumbing . Here are some ways to get you started today on cutting back on the energy used to heat the water in your home and to lower your utility bills.

Installing a high-efficiency tank water heater or a tankless water heater to replace your old inefficient model is only one way to more efficiently heat the water in your home.  You can also make small upgrade, such as installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Other areas include the dishwasher and washing machine. Use cold water when possible to wash your clothes, and only use the hot temp settings on the dishwasher for heavier loads. Using less hot water means using less energy to heat the water.

You can also lower the thermostat on your hot water heater , which can save you up money on energy costs and reduce the chances of scalding if the water is too hot. Most manufacturers recommend 140°F for water heater thermostat settings. In reality, many people don’t need hot water to be heated above 120°F. Call a plumber or check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to locate the thermostat on your water heater or if you have other questions about proper temperature settings.

If you have an older tank water heater, one easy way of improving efficiency is to insulate the tan k. This will help prevent heat loss while the water is being heated at all times. You can find water heater “jackets” easily, but keep in mind that you may need to know the R-value of the water heater tank before you make your purchase.

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