Smart Ways to Save on Water Heating with Natural Gas
Water heating is a significant part of home energy costs, typically accounting for about 20% of your energy bill. Fortunately, with a natural gas water heater, you already have an efficient, cost-effective solution. Still, there are even more ways to save money and energy with a few simple changes to your water heating and water usage habits.
1. Lower the Water Heater Temperature
Setting the temperature a little lower can lead to big savings without sacrificing comfort:
- Set Your Water Heater to 120°F: Most water heaters are preset to 140°F, but setting it to 120°F provides plenty of hot water while saving energy. Lowering the temperature also reduces the risk of scalding and slows mineral buildup in your tank, extending the life of your water heater.
2. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes
Minimize heat loss to reduce the amount of energy your heater uses:
- Install an Insulating Blanket: Older water heaters, especially those in cooler areas of your home, can benefit from a special insulating blanket to help retain heat.
- Wrap Your Pipes: Insulating the first six feet of hot water pipes reduces heat loss and keeps water warmer as it reaches your faucets. This means less time waiting for hot water and less wasted water.
3. Use Less Hot Water in Everyday Tasks
Cutting back on hot water use in daily activities is one of the simplest ways to save:
- Install Low-Flow Fixtures: Low-flow showerheads and faucets reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. They can reduce water use by up to 50%, saving on both water and heating costs.
- Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot is effective for most loads and reduces the amount of energy your water heater uses.
- Use the Dishwasher Efficiently: Only run your dishwasher when it’s full, and if it has an energy-saving or air-dry option, use it instead of the heat-dry setting.
4. Upgrade to a Natural Gas Tankless or ENERGY STAR® Certified Natural Gas Tank Water Heater
Consider updating your water heater for long-term savings and efficiency:
- Go Tankless: Tankless water heaters, or “on-demand” systems, heat water only when you need it, avoiding the energy waste of maintaining a large tank of hot water. Natural gas tankless heaters are particularly efficient and ideal for homes with high water usage.
- Choose ENERGY STAR®-Certified Natural Gas Tank Models: If you need a new water heater, and prefer to keep the tank, look for an ENERGY STAR®-certified model. These units meet higher efficiency standards and use less energy than standard models, which means lower bills and less environmental impact.
5. Take Shorter Showers
Reducing shower time conserves both water and energy:
- Keep Showers to Five Minutes: Every minute less in the shower can save gallons of hot water. For larger households, this can make a noticeable difference in monthly energy and water bills.
6. Fix Leaks and Drips
Small leaks can lead to big costs over time:
- Repair Leaky Faucets Promptly: A leaky faucet or showerhead wastes both water and the energy needed to heat it. Even a small, steady drip can waste gallons of hot water each day.
- Check for Hidden Leaks: If you notice an unusual increase in water heating costs, you may have a hidden leak. Inspect pipes, joints, and any areas around your water heater regularly to catch issues early.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your water heater helps it operate at peak efficiency:
- Flush Your Tank Annually: Sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank can make it harder for the water heater to do its job. Flushing the tank annually removes sediment, improving efficiency and extending the heater’s lifespan.
- Inspect the Anode Rod: The anode rod protects your tank from rusting, but it can wear out over time. Replacing it as needed can prevent costly repairs or early replacement of the water heater.
Why Choose Natural Gas for Water Heating?
Natural gas water heaters heat water faster than electric models, cost less to operate, and provide hot water even during power outages. By following these tips, you can maximize these benefits, keeping your energy bills low and your water use efficient.
When it’s time to replace your water heater, Pensacola Energy offers up to $1,200 in rebates when you add a new natural gas water heater to your home.