If you're trying to save money, you may want to explore a few ways to cut down on the cost of your hot water heater. There are a variety of steps you can take. Check out the following ideas:
1. Opt for an Efficient Model
If your water heater is really old and inefficient, you may want to replace it with a more efficient model. Many models even estimate how much you are likely to spend on running the heater over the course of an average year. You can compare those numbers to your current costs to see if you're likely to save.
2. Choose the Cheapest Fuel Around
Hot water systems can use a range of fuel types. You may want to choose the cheapest option for your area. In some areas, that may be electricity, propane or natural gas. However, if you are living in a wooded area where it's easy to get timber, you may want a wood burning hot water heater.
3. Turn Down the Temperature
To save money, turn down the temperature on your system. Although the water won't be as piping hot when you need it, it should still meet your needs. Additionally, you don't have to worry about kids getting scalded in the bathtub if you turn down your system.
4. Insulate the Hot Water Heater or Pipes
If you want your tank to hold the hot water more effectively, you may want to add a layer of insulation. There are special insulating blankets that you can buy to place around hot water heaters. You may also want to add some insulating foam to the pipes that carry water from your hot water heater to your taps and appliances. Then, you don't have to worry about losing as much heat.
5. Wash Laundry on Cold
You really only need to wash white clothing and very soiled or oily garments on hot. Most other items can be cleaned just fine on cold or warm. Changing a small habit like that can lower the amount of hot water you use and help you save money in the long run.
6. Use Less Hot Water
In addition to doing laundry on cold, see where else you can cut back on hot water consumption. Can you take fewer baths or shorter showers? Can you run the dishwasher less often? Anywhere you can cut back will help in the long run.
7. Watch for Leaks
Finally, keep an eye out for leaks. If you notice that your hot water system is leaking anywhere, get it fixed as soon as possible. Leaks from hot water systems are just water that you pay to heat and then throw away without using.