Did you know the average American household uses around 64 gallons of water each day? A lot of that water is heated, costing families from $400 to $600 annually.
Little Ways to Save Big
As the second largest expense for the average homeowner, and a whopping 14% to 18% of your monthly utility bill, it pays to investigate ways to save on water heating expenses.
- Cut back on hot water usage. Low-flow shower heads and faucets are relatively inexpensive. At about $10 to $20 each, they'll give you a great return on investment, with water savings of up to 60%!
- Replace aging appliances. Older appliances and water heaters are generally less efficient than newer brands. If yours is ready to go (10 years is the average lifespan of a water heater), replace it with an efficient tankless water heater, or consider solar. Energy-efficient water heaters come with attractive federal tax credits for further savings.
- Turn it down. Most water heater thermostats are set higher than they need to be: 120℉ is optimal. Another way to save is to wash your clothing in cold water. Most of today's detergents do a great job in lower temperates. Your clothes will last longer and stay brighter, too.
Maintain Your Water Heater
A little maintenance will go a long way toward extending the life of your water heater, and will help to cut down on energy loss.
- Flush a quart of water from storage-type water heaters about every three months. Every six months, check the thermostat and pressure valve.
- Hard water can damage anode rods in storage water heaters. If your water is hard, replacing the rods periodically will improve efficiency.
- Contact a solar contractor every 3-5 years to keep solar water heater systems running at peak performance.
Whether you're ready for a new water heater for your Boise home, or need some help repairing your existing unit, contact us at Plumbing Solutions of Idaho. We'll be happy to help!