Water Heater and Power Saving Tips
How to get the most out of your water heater
by Don Ames
There is a couple main reasons why people decide to get a new water heater. The first reason is because water is leaking from the heater and getting all over the floor and, the other reason is, because we can’t get used to taking cold showers. Let’s look at both of these great reasons for investing in a new water heater and look at it from an energy conservation viewpoint.
I really do not like percentages when it comes to evaluating the power use in a home, but for now, I will point out that on a national average, the water heater uses about 20 % of the energy consumed by your home. On a $200 power bill, the water heater is costing about $40 dollars. Concerning the two main reasons for replacing the water heater mentioned above, keep the following list of water heater tips in mind and I conserve some energy.
1. Water heaters that are leaking usually rust out from the inside. When this happens, replacing the water heater is your only option.
2. Most water heaters have a warranty period of 6 years and a life span of 10 years. If your water heater is over 10 years old, keep your fingers crossed.
3. If you have a sudden cold shower, look at repairing the water heater before replacement.
4. Electric water heaters may have a problem with the thermostat, a circuit breaker or a heating element. A plumber may repair instead of replace.
5. Gas water heaters may have a problem with the flow of gas to the heater, the pilot light or the thermocouple. Here again, your favorite plumber may repair instead of replace.
6. To maintain your water heaters energy efficiency, set the water temperature at 120 degrees, wrap the heater and the water lines with additional insulation and drain your water heater once a year.
7. If you need a new water heater, have your plumber recommend a heater with the latest energy saving technology and see if one fits within your budget. Entering the market mid 2010 will be gas condensing water heaters and water heaters that use heat pump technology to heat the water. If you decide not to go with one of the new high efficiency heaters, than compare the yellow Energy Guide stickers on the other regular heaters and go with the one that best serves your need.
8. Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, can be real energy savers, but they are not for everyone. Be sure to use a contractor that has experience in sizing the tankless water heater correctly for your home. Install a tankless heater that is too small and you may be sleeping on the couch for years to come.
This is Don Ames, hoping your daily shower is a warm one, come back soon…but, I won’t leave the lights on for you…