How To Improve Energy Efficiency With An Electric Water Heater

by Jack

Electric water heaters are popular with homes because they’re easy to use, reliable, and can quickly heat water whenever it is required. Unfortunately, heating water can use up a significant amount of energy; making your electric water heater more energy-efficient will help save on utility costs while making sure you maximize its potential and lower bills. In this piece we discuss various tactics you can do to make your electric water heater run more efficiently while using less energy.

1. Insulate The Water Heater And Pipes

One easy and cost-effective way to ensure optimal performance of an electric water heater is insulating its tank and hot water pipes around it with insulation material such as foam. Doing this may save energy, as its use will require it to work harder in maintaining an ideal temperature in order to compensate if heat escapes the unit and causes it to struggle maintaining an ideal temperature for its users.

Insulate The Tank: Wrapping an insulated blanket or jacket around your water heater can reduce heat loss by 25-45% and save significant energy costs. Ensure the insulation was designed specifically for water heaters to allow room for temperature regulation and other important features.

Insulate The Lines: By insulating the first six feet of hot water lines that depart the tank, insulation can prevent heat loss while water is being delivered, keeping temperatures hotter for longer and decreasing the frequency with which your heater needs to run.

2. Adjust The Temperature

Upon first purchasing a water heater, its default setting of 140degF (60degC) can often be too high for home usage and thus waste energy by overheating your house by decreasing its temperature to what’s appropriate for domestic needs and saving on energy usage costs.

Set Temperature To 49degc (120degf): Depending on the size and frequency of your family, setting your electric water heater temperature at 120degF can save 4-22% off of your annual energy bill – while also being safer as this setting reduces the risk of accidental burns.

Seasonal Shifts: Lowering the temperature setting during warmer months when less hot water is needed for activities like showering can help save more energy without diminishing comfort levels. This approach could save energy without impacting comfort levels too much.

3. Use A Timer For Your Water Heater

While no one may need hot water throughout the day, electric water heaters remain on in order to keep things hot enough – installing a timer on it allows you to control when and how often it comes on and off so as to save energy when the heater isn’t being used.

Set the Timer to Heat Water During Off-Peak Hours: Utility companies charge less during these off-peak periods, and if energy prices drop significantly, you could save money by setting your timer to heat water during these times.

Reduce Operation Time During the Night: If your family requires hot water at certain times throughout the day, set a timer so the heater turns off during non-use periods (like late at night) in order to save energy without wasteful usage. This way, energy won’t go to waste!

4. Install A Heat Trap

Heat traps allow water to enter your water heater tank but prevent unnecessary hot water from leaving. A lot of new electric water heaters have heat traps built in. Adding one may be an easy and cheap way to make the heater work better and keep the heat in.

How Heat Traps Work: Heat traps use valves or loops in pipes to block off convection currents that pull heat away from their water heater, stopping it from traveling into other rooms and thus taking heat with it. 

Installation Considerations: Installation should be straightforward but may require basic plumbing knowledge if doing it on your own is deemed too risky. For maximum safety, consider hiring professional help for this task if desired.

5. Plan Regular Maintenance 

Engaging in regular maintenance on your electric water heater will keep it working better and for longer. Without proper care taken with its tank, dirt can build up, making the heater less efficient and forcing more work from you each time around.

Flush Your Water Heater Tank Annually: Cleaning and removing the water heater tank on a regular basis can help get rid of sediment buildup, which wastes energy by insulating the heating element and making it less efficient. In households with hard water sources, flushing may need to occur more often – perhaps every six months at minimum.

Inspect The Anode Rod: Minerals and impurities can accumulate on an anode rod, which stops it from rusting in your water heater tank. If the rod becomes rusted over time, replacing it can keep your heater running efficiently for years to come and prolong its lifespan.

Examine The Thermostat And Heating Element: Regularly checking your thermostat to make sure it’s working right is important. Also, it’s smart to keep an eye out for signs of damage or wear on the heating parts.

Conclusion

Reducing energy use on an electric water heater doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. Simple steps like covering the tank, lowering temperature settings, and using less hot water can save considerable amounts. Longer-term solutions like purchasing high efficiency or solar water heating heaters may further lower costs while protecting the environment – these tips will not only extend its lifespan but will make your home more energy-efficient too!

Related Posts

Leave a Comment