Four Tips for Keeping Your Water Heater Running at Peak Efficiency

It's so easy to take for granted the plumbing involved in providing on-demand hot water. But we often don't realize how wasteful creating that hot water can be. The following is a list of tips to help you enjoy your hot water whenever you want it, but in a way that allows you to save money in the process:

Tip #1: Install a Heat Trap

A heat trap is a device that prevents hot water from flowing out of the water heater through the natural process of convection. Without a heat trap, heated water inside the tank may slowly move up the pipes. Eventually, this hot water will cool to room temperature, resulting in wasted warmth. Many modern water heaters have this feature for the hot water tank, but older models may not.

Tip #2: Insulate the Water Heater Tank

The better the hot water can stay hot in the tank, the less often the water heater will operate to keep the water at the set temperature. One way to keep the hot water hot while in storage is to insulate the tank. (This obviously won't apply to tankless water heaters.) Take special care to ensure the insulation doesn't cover up the thermostat or burner compartment (if applicable).

Tip #3: Insulate the Pipes around the Water Heater

This will help speed up the time it takes to receive hot water at the desired temperature. Another advantage lies in allowing the water to reach its destination slightly warmer than it would be otherwise without the insulation.

Tip #4: Lower the Water Heater's Temperature

For every 10 degrees lower the water heater's thermostat is set, it can result in 3-5% in energy savings, according to energy.gov. Additionally, heating water to a temperature that's too hot can be wasteful. It has to cool back down to a lower temperature before use, such as when taking a shower.

For more tips for saving money on the hot water you use as well as tips to help your plumbing system work more efficiently, feel free to contact Smoak's Comfort Control today.