How to Reduce Hot Water Use and Save Energy!

Looking for ways to reduce your energy bill? Worried your family is racking up the charges using too much hot water?

Whether you’re living on your own, or housing a small soccer team, you’re probably looking for simple ways to save energy (and money!). Our experts have put together a list of savings tips to make your job easier. All you have to do is try instituting a few new ideas from our list to reduce your hot water consumption and see the savings on your next bill.

1. Take shorter showers. Challenge your family member to see who can take the shortest shower of the week (while still managing to wash behind the ears).
2. Turn off the water while your shaving, washing your hands, scrubbing dishes. It’s a little less convenient, but think how much water is going down the drain when you’re not really using it.
3. Fix leaky faucets. One leaky faucet could cost you $30 per year or more!
4. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Just 10 degrees lower and you could be saving yourself 5% in water heating costs!
5. Wash your laundry in cold water. There’re detergents designed to work in cold water if you’re worried about getting stains out.
6. Install low-flow. Replace shower heads and faucets with lower flow options to reduce the water you use without even trying!
7. Replace your appliances with Energy Star rated upgrades. Especially if your appliances are more than 10 years old, upgrading can really save you money on water and energy each year.
8. Insulate your hot water tank. Be sure to look up and follow manufacturer instructions for safety and efficiency, or call a professional to do the job right.
9. Insulate your pipes. The first several feet of pipes should be accessible, and insulating them could be the difference of several degrees!
10. Install a timer. Inexpensive and easy to install, a timer will shut off your hot water heater over night to save energy. It can be set to turn off any time you don’t use hot water.
11. Flush your tank once a year. Flushing gets rid of sediment and bacteria in the tank and also helps the heater run more efficiently.
12. Upgrade your hot water heater. If your hot water heater is more than 10-15 years old, the time for an upgrade is approaching! Look into more efficient tankless options.

If you’re looking for professional, satisfaction guaranteed service, or need any other advice for heating and cooling your Ann Arbor home, give us a call. We can help you cut spending on hot water, and beyond!