Water heating can be expensive, especially in large homes with a high water demand. Upgrading to a modern model is only one way to lower the costs. Here are more energy-efficient practices that can help you use water more wisely, optimize your water heater’s performance and lower your utility bills each month.

Lower Your Thermostat Setting

The water heater’s thermostat controls how hot the water stored inside is. If you set it higher than you actually need, you’re paying to heat and store water that you aren’t really using. How often have you turned on your faucet to “hot,” only to immediately turn it down? Keep the maximum temperature at a comfortable level, so you aren’t paying to use energy heating water that’s not usable.

Add Insulation

Insulating a water heater can help it heat more efficiently, especially if you have an older model. Water heater insulation is an easy project that you can do yourself or pay a professional to perform for a low rate.

Many homeowners have water heaters in unfinished spaces like the basement. If you’re one of them, you can benefit from adding insulation to improve water heater efficiency.

Install Water-Saving Faucets and Showerheads

Water-saving plumbing fixtures can ultimately save you gallons of hot water every month without compromising comfort or convenience. The key is ensuring that you use the right fixtures for your space; look for ones that reduce water usage without lowering pressure. This will give you the same feel and experience while still lowering the amount of water you use to shower, wash your hands and run the sink.

Wash Clothes on Warm Instead of Hot

While most of us think water heaters are solely for bathing and using the sinks, the water you use to wash your clothes also comes from your tank. Washing clothes on the hot setting can damage the fabric, fade colors faster and lead to shrinkage. Most modern detergents work just as well in cold water and can still kill germs and bacteria. You can also start to bulk up your laundry loads and avoid washing too many small ones throughout the week; this will lower your overall water consumption.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine water heater inspections and tank flushes help the machinery operate at max performance. Even older water heaters can benefit from routine inspections, cleanings and tune-ups to improve their efficiency. Leaving an old system untouched for years leads to sediment buildup and increases the risk of corrosion. To keep your water heater in tip-top shape, have a professional inspect and clean it at least once a year.

Taking care of your water heater isn’t hard. With these energy-saving practices, you’ll be able to lower costs and enjoy on-demand hot water at a lower price. As a final tip, consider exploring your household’s water consumption habits. Are there ways you could easily cut down, such as washing fuller loads of dishes or taking shorter showers? Small changes can make a big difference in your bills.

Contact the pros at TNT in Savannah, GA, to find more ways to make your water heater energy-efficient.