Water heater in basement

Saving Money on Your Water Heater Bills

Your water heater is one of the costliest appliances in your home to operate as it is responsible for providing hot water for personal hygiene, laundry, dishwashing and other tasks. However, there are easy and simple ways to reduce that cost. Here are a few of them.

Use More Unheated Water

Hot water doesn’t need to be used to get everything clean. You can now buy washing machines that use mostly cold water. Plus, you don’t have to turn on the hot water tap every time you wash your hands or brush your teeth.

Perform Water Tank Maintenance Regularly

Your hot water tank should be regularly maintained, and this job is best done by a professional. A professional can spot small problems that a layperson can’t and fix those problems before they become large and expensive. Maintaining a hot water tank includes:

  • Draining the tank every six months or so
  • Checking the temperature and pressure valve
  • Replacing the sacrificial anode rod when necessary
  • Insulating the tank and its pipes if it’s in a cold area of the house

Repair Leaks

Even what seems like small leaks in the hot water line can increase your energy bill and waste a shocking amount of water every year. If you suspect a leak, find it and have it repaired as soon as possible.

Buy New Appliances

Appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, tend to last about 10 to 15 years. If you have one of these appliances nearing the end of its lifespan, consider buying a new one. New appliances that use hot water are more energy efficient than the ones you bought a decade and a half ago.

Turn the Heater Off at Night

Traditional water heaters run 24 hours a day to provide hot water whenever you want or need it, but that’s wasteful. Having a professional plumber install a timer that turns the appliance off at night not only saves you money but can extend the life of the water heater.

Adjust the Temperature

Many hot water tanks come with their temperature set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot. It not only puts you and members of your household at risk of scalds, but it keeps your energy bills high. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees not only reduces the risk of scalds but reduces your energy bills.

Call Us About Saving Money on Your Water Heater Bill

It’s easy to take the convenience of a water heater tank for granted, but it does cost when it comes to the monthly energy bill. If you want to learn how to save money on your water heater bills or if you need service on your water heater, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbers at Big Sky of Helena, MT.