On average, you’ll spend 25 cents of every dollar of your home energy budget on water heating costs. Here are five effective ways to lower your water heating costs while still maintaining plenty of hot water for your household cooking and cleaning needs.
- Fix water leaks: Any leak in your hot water system will waste large amounts of water, energy and money. A leak of one drop per second can add one dollar a month to your utility bill. Every lost drop of hot water is one you’ve paid to heat but not use. Repair leaks in faucets, supply pipes, shower heads and anywhere else in the system to save money, water and energy.
- Use low-flow plumbing fixtures: Replace plumbing fixtures such as shower heads and faucets with low-flow models. They will reduce the amount of hot water you use while still providing plenty of water for normal households tasks. Use shower heads with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), kitchen faucets 2.2 gpm, and bathroom fixtures 1.5 to 0.5 gpm.
- Install high-efficiency appliances: Dishwashers and clothes washing machines can be replaced by high-efficiency models that use less energy and water. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label; they are government-certified to be as energy efficient as possible.
- Reduce hot water waste and usage: Wash clothes in warm or cold water instead of hot. Don’t run the hot water while shaving or washing your face. Use cold water for small tasks whenever possible.
Arpi’s Industries Ltd. is a long-term HVAC contractor and provider of professional home comfort services in Calgary, Alberta, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on maintaining high levels of water heater efficiency and for more tips on how to conserve energy and save money on your home water heating expenses.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about lowering water heating costs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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