Water Heating

Heating water is one of your largest annual energy expenses. A water heater can consume approximately 600 kilowatt hours per month.

Replace Your Old Water Heater With A High Efficiency Model

If you are in the market for a new water heater consider buying a high efficiency model. It may cost you a little more to buy, but it costs less to use, so you will save over the life of the unit. Consider replacing your old water heater with a heat pump water heater. It can save you up to 50% on the cost of heating your water. As a side note, be sure to secure your water heater by fastening it to the studs in the wall.

Set The Thermostats Properly

To operate most efficiently, your water heater should be set between 120°F and 130°F. If you have a dishwasher, you may need to increase the temperature settings to 140°F. Refer to the owner's manual for the proper temperature settings for your dishwasher.

Keep It Warm

If your water heater is located in an unconditioned space, and does not have a water heater blanket on it, you may want to get one. It can save as much as 9% on your water heating costs. Before you install a blanket check the caution label on your water heater. Some newer models come with adequate insulation levels and may prohibit installing a blanket. Finally, mark the inspection plate locations on the blanket for future access.

Fix Those Drips

If you have a leaky faucet, you're pouring money down the drain. A slow drip of hot water can waste up to 450 gallons of water a month. Not only are you paying to heat the water, but you are paying for the water, and may be paying for the disposal as well. If you have a domestic well, pumping costs may also be a factor.

Reduce The Flow

Install high performance shower heads and faucet aerators in your bathrooms and kitchen. They can cut up to 11% of your water use, which will reduce your energy and water bills. Also, consider taking short showers rather than baths. A shower typically uses less hot water than a bath (especially if you limit your showers to five minutes or less).

If you just need a shampoo, try using the sink rather than taking a shower. Water efficient devices are usually available at the local hardware stores or from Salem Electric.

Use Cold Water When You Can

Use cold water instead of hot to wash clothes or rinse dishes. Hot water for dishes uses about 2 kilowatt hours and 5 kilowatt hours for a load of clothes.

Twist The Tap

Turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth, lathering your hands with soap, or scrubbing dishes.

Run Your Dishwasher

That's right... run your dishwasher. By running it once a day (or less) you'll use about 17 gallons of hot water each time, compared to the 10 gallons you'll generally use each time you wash the dishes by hand. Only wash full loads and use the energy saving setting, which eliminates the drying cycle at a savings of 6 cents per load.

If you have an electric water heater, use your dishwasher's booster heater. This booster heats the water used in the dishwasher to 140°F, allowing you to reduce the temperature of your water heater to 120°F.