When the weather turns colder, there's nothing like a nice, hot shower or a warm bath to cut the chill. Having plenty of hot water is something we all take for granted until we don’t have it. If you’ve ever been the last person in a big family to get ready in the morning and had to take a cold shower, you understand the agony. Thankfully, whether you’re showering, doing dishes or laundry there are steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your hot water heater and keep your hot water running longer.
Insulate Your Water Heater Tank
The cooler the temperature around your tank, the harder your water heater has to work to keep your water warm, especially during the cooler fall and winter seasons. It can be tricky to properly insulate your tank without covering up essential and flammable parts. You can call on the services of a professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri to make sure this is done efficiently and safely and that you don't create a fire hazard trying to insulate your own water heater.
Install Heat Traps
Most newer water heaters have heat traps built in, but if you have an older model, this might be an option to consider. Basically, heat traps allow cold water in and keep heat from needlessly escaping from your unit. The less wasted heat, the less wasted money. This is likely the type of plumbing project that is best left to professionals.
Use Cold Water More Often
This one’s a bit of a no-brainer. The more you conserve your hot water, the more you'll save. Consider how frequently you use warm water when cold water would suffice, whether you’re doing a load of colors in the laundry or brushing your teeth. You might even consider giving a cooler shower a shot so your skin won't dry out as much in the winter.
Lower The Thermostat Setting On Your Water Heater
If you lower the thermostat of your water heater by a few degrees, you might be surprised at the difference it can make in your monthly bills. You might also be surprised at how little your comfort level changes with the water being only a few degrees cooler. Having the temperature too high on your water heater is not only more expensive, but it can be easier for someone to burn themselves if the water coming out of the tap can get too hot.
Drain The Water Heater Tank
Sediment is a natural enemy of plumbing for a number of reasons, but many may not realize that it also can slow down the transfer of heat. To rectify this, consider having a professional plumber drain your water heater tank once a year. This will ensure your water heater runs at maximum efficiency.
There are numerous tips and tricks for saving money on hot water. Some are simple enough to implement on your own, while others may benefit from the help of a professional plumber. Let United Plumbing be the ones you call, not only for your water heater issues, but any plumbing-related needs you might have.