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The amount of hot water that you use each month has a direct impact on your utility costs, and this is why a lot of homeowners look for ways to improve their water heater’s energy performance. For some households, the best way to achieve this goal is to replace the whole water heater with one that has a high uniform energy factor (UEF) rating. For others, it may entail replacing the anode rod or simply insulating the hot water pipes. A plumber can help you decide which of the following tips will deliver the most benefits for your home.
Insulate the Hot Water Pipes
As soon as hot water exits the water heater tank, it starts losing some of its heat. And for every degree of heat that escapes, this represents energy that your water heater must use to keep up with your hot water demands. By insulating the hot water lines, especially the first few feet leaving the water heater, it’s easier to save money on water heating. This is because the water will arrive warmer at each faucet, showerhead or water-using appliance.
Replace the Anode Rod
If you’re using a standard tank-style water heater, it has a sacrificial metal rod inside of it, known as an anode rod, that helps prevent corrosion and rust on the tank. But as the years go by, this rod naturally starts to corrode and rust away. And once this happens, the water heater becomes much more vulnerable to leaks that waste water as well as the energy used to heat it. A plumber can inspect the anode rod to see whether yours is ready for replacement. Many systems need the rod replaced once every three to five years.
Use a Hot Water Timer
The heating element in a water heater will continue to cycle on and off to keep the water in the tank warm. This can end up wasting a lot of energy during periods of time when no one is home to use hot water. If you have a timer installed, you can set the unit to heat the water according to a schedule that matches your household’s hot water usage.
Choose a High-UEF Model
Sometimes, the best way to improve your water heater’s energy efficiency is to replace the whole system. As you’re choosing a new setup, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with UEF ratings. The higher the rating, the better the system is at turning the energy it consumes into usable hot water without losing as much energy during heating and storage.
A licensed plumber can inspect your water heater setup to determine which types of repairs and upgrades can improve its overall performance. Scheduling annual maintenance for your unit is often required to keep the manufacturer’s warranty active. It also serves as an effective way to catch sediment buildup, worn components and other problems early before they lead to issues that reduce the system’s overall energy efficiency. If you live in Medicine Hat, AB or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Marvelous Plumbing.