Our Guide to Saving Money on Your Hot Water Bill
The data shows Canadians use an average of 75 liters of hot water in their home every day. From taking showers to running the dishwasher, your modern-day experience would be uncomfortable without the constant stream of hot water coming into your home. Water heaters are the second highest energy consumption point in the average house, with the hot water bill behind only total home heating.
Water heaters are also a great potential source of hidden energy savings for families. So, we thought it was time to review a few tips to cut down the rising cost of hot water spending. The goal is to lower your bills without sacrificing any home comfort.
This post will explore actions you can take today and possible steps in the future to reduce your hot water spending.
Wash your Clothes in Cold Water
Did you know your home washing machine uses 75-to-90% of its energy on heating the water? One mistake many people make, which costs hundreds of dollars per year on their home hot water bill, is leaving their washing machine on “hot”. Washing in cold water is perfectly acceptable and will keep your clothes just as clean as washing them with steaming hot water. In fact, you should only wash colourful fabrics and delicate materials in cold water.
Take Showers Instead of Baths
The average 10-minute shower only uses 25 gallons of hot water compared to a bath, which consumes about 50 gallons of hot water. Taking that next step in reducing your hot water bill means hopping in the shower more rather than soaking in the tub. Showering also allows you to control the amount of water by the time spent inside. Taking a 5-minute shower instead of 10 minutes will save you 12.5 gallons of heated water. But you may not have to stop taking baths altogether…
Stop Halfway When Filling the Tub
You don’t have to forgo that relaxing bath at the end of a busy work day. You can reduce your hot water consumption by not filling the tub as high. If you stop close to halfway, you’ll save as much as 12 gallons of heated water and reduce your water heating costs by several dollars per month.
Inspect your Water Heater For Signs of Leaks to Reduce Hot Water Bill
If your water heater leaks, any steps you take will have a limited impact on your overall water costs.
The signs of a leaking water heater include:
Water at the base of the tank
Clearly, a pool of water at the base of the hot water tank is the most obvious sign of a leak. The water pool could be related to a damaged diaphragm or drain valve.
Dripping sounds near the tank
It can sometimes be hard to hear if the water heater is near HVAC equipment, but if the heater is leaking, you may be able to detect a faint but audible dripping sound.
No hot water access
No hot water access is one of the first signs most people get that they have a large-scale leak in their water heater. You’ll likely find the culprit is a clog or considerable leak in the line to the heater.
Future Upgrades to Save on Hot Water
Beyond making day-to-day changes to your hot water use routines, you can also upgrade your home equipment and make lasting savings on your utility bills.
New Washing Machines
If you have a large family with busy schedules, you’ll need a washing machine that accommodates the workload. Installing Energy-Star-qualified systems helps you make immediate savings on your hot water bills. Turn to our Victoria, BC plumbers if you need guidance on washing machine installation.
New Water Heater
The most direct impact you can make on your hot water costs is to buy a modern water heater. Tankless water heaters are a popular option.
They provide hot water on demand rather than storing water in a tank, helping you save over $100 annually with this one addition.
Pipe Insulation
The events that occur within that first six feet of pipe connecting your water heater to the rest of the water-consuming appliances around the home make a clear difference to your total water heating costs. Book a plumber to insulate this area of your pipes, and you can reduce heat loss considerably as water travels throughout the home.
Book Thunderbird Plumbing Victoria to Save on Hot Water Bills
We understand the challenging impact a rising hot water bill has on your family and families throughout Greater Victoria. Contact our plumbers at any time to discuss your options, identify potential water heater maintenance strategies, and uncover upgrades that could help you stem the tide of rising spending.
Make saving on hot water your priority as we enter a new year. Give Thunderbird Plumbing Victoria a call for immediate answers to your questions.