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How Can I Improve my Water Heater Efficiency?

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Melbourne Plumber

Saving money is on most people’s minds these days. What step can I take to save money around the home? In this article we plan to answer that question as it relates to your water heater.

There are some steps you can take to make sure you water heater is running as efficient as possible, saving you money in the long run. For instance,  where the water heater is located can save or cost you money.

Location Location Location

Most people buy a house which has already been built and the water heater has been installed. But if you are building a new house or replacing your water heater, it may be smart to rethink where your water heater is located.

Maybe installing your water on the warmer side of the garage near the window is a better spot? Or, maybe not putting it directly next to a AC blowing unit is a good idea.

Finally, making sure you install the water heater so that there is plenty of space on all sides is an important step. This will allow it to perform its function optimally and for you to easily perform maintenance on it in the future.

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Sometimes having an old water heater can cost you money. Its just not able to keep the water warm as easily as it used to. Whether the insulation is failing or the heating coils are straining to keep up, the signs may be crystal clear that it is time to buy new.

Keep it Clean to Keep it Running Mean

The bottom line is that a dirty and sediment filled water heater struggles to operate efficiently. A regular cleaning and maintenance, which could take less than an hour per year, could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Make sure there are no leaks in your water heater.

Ideal Temperature

There is an industry standard temp of 130 degrees F that we recommend to not keep the water above. Beyond this temperature, the heater has to work work harder to maintain. If you are a person who doesn’t like super hot showers, you can even experiment with lowering it to 125 or 120. And if you have a dishwasher do not fret. Most dishwashers have a heating element of their own to make sure there is a sterile cleaning being performed.

Add-Ons

You can even purchase items like the Water Heater Blanket to help save money.