Summer time usually means more laundry from playing outside, more dishes from hosting friends and watering the lawn and garden. More water is used daily during the summer months, but usually at a lower temperature. Fortunately, we don’t need to keep our water heaters at such a high temperature during the summer months. It’s not a good idea to completely turn down your water heater, because you still need some hot water, just not as much during those summer months. You want your water heater still on so when you go to get hot water, it doesn’t take a long time to heat up. Especially if you lower your hot water heater too much it makes it more susceptible to bacterial growth, and we don’t want that! With that being said, here are some tips for saving some money on your water heating bill these next few months.
Turn Down the Temperature
Do not do this on your own – call a licensed professional to assist you with this (like Pro HVAC). We know the safest and best way to turn the water heater down a few degrees for the summer months. The degree we choose to turn it down too will be incremental but you will be able to see a change in your water heating bill most definitely. We don’t need piping hot showers in the summertime, most of us try to escape the heat with some cold showers during those few months even!
Check for Leaks
Water heaters last a pretty long time, usually between 10 to 20 years, which is a great amount of time for a home appliance. But sometimes when they become a little older they start to fail, and this can lead to leaks. You will easily be able to tell if there is a leak in your water heater by simply physically examining the outside of the tank, or even seeing a puddle of water beneath it. If this happens, wouldn’t you rather go a few days without hot water in the summer than in the dead of cold winter? It doesn’t have to be a huge leak to cost you money, even a small leak can cost you money throughout the year because you are essentially spending money to heat that water that ends up leaking out.
Replace the Anode Rod
An anode rod is a tool inside the water heater that removes corrosive elements from your water, an example of one of these elements would be lead. Sometimes if an anode rod is older, corrosion can occur inside the water heater. This makes the water take longer to heat up, which in result increases your water heating bill. Replacing your anode rod is a quick task that will drastically improve how the water heats up instantly.
Upgrade!
If you are able too, upgrading your water heater is a great way to save money on your water heating bill this summer as well. Like we said before, most people have their water heaters for over 20 years. Technology is always changing, especially within a span of 20 years, most appliances have some great upgrades these days. The new water heaters are extremely energy efficient. With new and advanced technology, you can save energy which in the ends saves you more money in the long run. If you are looking for a new water heater contact us today, our experts will help you every step of the way.
Other Simple Ways to Lower Your Water Heating Costs:
- Reduce your time in the shower
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Don’t let your water run from faucets while cleaning dishes etc.
- Use your dishwasher efficiently (only full loads)
- Use cold water for laundry loads
