Few things are more enjoyable and relaxing on a cold winter day than warming up in a friendly, hot shower. However, at Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, we understand that hot water heating expenses can skyrocket during the year’s cooler months. This often is a combination of increased demand for hot water when the temperature outside is chilly and the fact that it requires energy to heat the water. Here are a few tips to help you save money on water heating costs this winter (and will benefit you throughout the year as well).
Schedule Maintenance Service
Hot water tanks can accumulate sediment in the tank and other components over time, which can detract from the ability of the system to work efficiently. Even tankless water heaters can develop sediment in their pipes. Maintenance service on these systems can be completed to remove the sediment and identify and repair other issues that may be impacting efficiency. The result of a water heater maintenance service that operates with peak efficiency. If you are unfamiliar on how to perform this maintenance, our experienced, licensed, and insured plumbers can complete maintenance service upon request.
Add Insulation Around the Water Heater
Suppose your water heater is located in your basement or garage. As is the case with many water heaters, there is a good chance that the unit is enveloped by cool air. While the unit itself may be warm to the touch, it may require more energy to heat the water when the surrounding air is cold. Adding insulation over the water heater is a great way to trap the heat in and to help it work more efficiently. We can determine the need for insulation and complete this step to ensure the best results.
Insulate Hot-Water Pipes
Just as it is beneficial to insulate the water heater, it can also be helpful to insulate the hot water pipes that run through your walls. First, identify which pipes are hot water pipes and apply the insulation. This reduces the potential of losing heat as the heated water travels through the pipes, and it means that you will draw less hot water when showering, cooking, and more.
Add Low-Flow Water Features
Another great idea is to install low-flow water features in your home. To save money on hot water bills, focus on the faucets and features that use hot water, such as your kitchen sink faucet, bathroom sink faucets, and showerheads. Of course, low-flow features can also reduce water consumption for cool water usage, which can lower your water bill throughout the year.
These are all services that our team of plumbers at Done can do for you. We understand how challenging it can be to pay high utility bills during the winter months. Even though these tips won’t eliminate your water heating costs, taking these steps will reduce the cost of utilities throughout the cool weather season. We want to help you save money on water heating needs this winter and for years to come through these services, and we often can complete these services with a single visit to your home. So, if you are ready to start saving money on your home’s hot water heating bills, call Done to schedule an appointment with us today.
