Turn it Down!

Not the rock-n-roll...your hot water heater! Did you know that hot water heaters typically rank as the third biggest energy user in the home? Especially if your heater is electric, it will make up 15-35% of your total energy bill (right behind the heating/cooling system and refrigerator). Very few of us would gladly give up hot water altogether, but there are ways to make our hot water use a lot more energy efficient. First of all, most of us have our heaters turned up too far. Save energy by turning down the thermostat to 120 degrees. (My daughter emerged from the shower one day looking like a lobster after a close encounter with too-hot water.) Second, install a low-flow shower head and faucet aerators around your home. By using less water, the heater simply has less work to do! Also wash and rinse your clothes in cold water, which does the job just as good, but uses a LOT less energy! Also pay attention to your hot water heater tank. An insulating blanket can help keep ambient heat from escaping and be sure to fix any leaks promptly. When it's time to replace your heater, consider a tankless or "on-demand" type, which provides hot water as you need it and doesn't constantly heat and store so many gallons all the time.