7 Ways to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Water Heater | Tips from Your Trusted St. Paul, MN Plumbing Service Provider
Hot water is important in every home, especially during extremely cold winter months. Making it as efficient as possible should be the goal of every homeowner to significantly reduce energy usage and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
A conventional water heater requires a tank for storing and heating the water whereas a tankless water heater heats water on demand and does not require a tank. Below, we have provided some tips to help you maximize the efficiency of your conventional water heater, help you reduce energy usage, and why you may want to consider getting a tankless water heater for your home.
Hire a plumbing service if you’re thinking about installing a new heater for your home. You may talk to a licensed plumber in your area for assistance.
1. Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Any appliance that is properly maintained will work efficiently and will last longer. As for a conventional water heater, it is recommended to flush any sediment build up with cold water at least twice a year. Neglecting this puts a strain on your system and will put pressure in the tank. Eventually, it will fail and will even cost you more in repairs and replacement. Before emptying the tank, do make sure that everything is turned off. If you do not know how to do this, always hire a plumber.
2. Use a Timer
To save more energy and maintain the water heater’s efficiency, consider installing a timer so you won’t have to heat water all day and night. You may set the timer about an hour before using heated water. This way you are not consuming more energy. Turn it off if you are not at home. Also, do not set the temperature above 120 degrees as that will consume more energy and threaten your water heater’s lifespan.
3. Fix Leaks
From time to time, check your water heater and the pipes for possible leaks. You can avoid expensive plumbing service repairs when you consistently do this. You can also hire a plumber to help you with leak detection as some leaks aren’t visible. When you do notice leaks, fix it as soon as possible. You will only use up more energy when you don’t fix the leak. Try checking the drain valve or the temperature-pressure relief valve for possible sources of leaks.
4. Install Low-flow Faucets
You use more water with a normal faucet — that is about 2.5 gallons per minute. You can significantly reduce that with low-flow faucets. Do not attempt a DIY for installing new fixtures or faucets. Always get a plumbing service for this.
5. Wrap Your Water Heater with a Thermal Blanket
New conventional water heaters nowadays are more efficient and may come with the added insulation. However, if you still have the old water heater tank, try purchasing a thermal blanket or insulation blanket to protect the water heater from the cold and to reduce heat loss. The added insulation is designed to reduce heat loss to up to 40 percent. Doing this lets you save more on your water bills. Get plumbing service in your area should you need additional help with insulating the water heater.
6. Provide More Insulation
If your water heater is in a cold area, it is best to insulate the place to save more energy. Try re-caulking the windows or working on the drafty cracks. It would be best to also provide insulation to the pipes. They should not be exposed to extreme cold weather or the water won’t stay hot for long and you will end up using more energy. That would only translate to higher heating bills.
Also, avoid putting your water heater in the attic. When that malfunctions, there could be a major plumbing disaster. Talk to a plumber whether your water heater is in the right location and get plumbing service if you need help moving it.
7. Replace Your Old Water Heater
If you have been using your water heater for more than 8 years and you notice signs of wear, it may be time to replace that with a new one, preferably a tankless water heater to save more energy. You can always hire a plumbing service if you need help with water heater installation in St. Paul, MN.
Consider a Tankless Water Heater
Your water bills accounts for the second-biggest utility expense in your home. An average expense is about $400 – $600 per year. You can significantly reduce this for up to $100 per year when you switch to a tankless water heater. This type of heater may be expensive and there may be added cost for installation, but you will save more in the long run. You get to enjoy lower monthly heating bills. Traditional water heaters only last up to 12 years as well while a tankless water heater can last up to 25 years. It’s energy-efficient as it only heats on demand. Also, there is no need to worry about sediment build-up with a tankless water heater. Because they have a built-in scrubber, it will get rid of any mess for you. For tankless water heater installation, always hire a plumbing service in St. Paul, MN to ensure proper installation of your water heater.
Get in Touch with Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains
Are you looking to hire a plumbing service for water heater installation in St. Paul, MN? The team at Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains is always ready to assist you with any plumbing-related issue including water heater repairs, installations and maintenance. Our expert plumbers are highly competent in troubleshooting any water heater problem for all makes and models.
If you need a plumbing service, call us today for an appointment!
