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Insights > 5 Ways to Lower Your Water Heating Costs
5 Ways to Lower Your Water Heating Costs
02/06/2020
Hot water is essential for home comfort, but it doesn't come cheap. The average home uses 64 gallons of hot water each day and spends between $200 and $500 a year on water heating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If heating water is draining your household budget, these five tips will help keep your savings from washing away.
1. Conserve. It's a simple premise: Use less hot water, and your water heater will use less energy. Take shorter showers, and avoid pre-rinsing dishes. If you do pre-rinse, use cold water. Wash clothes using cold water whenever possible, and only wash clothes and dishes on a full load.
2. Lower the temperature of your hot water heater. Set your water heater temperature to 120°F. For every 10°F temperature reduction, you can save up to 5 percent in energy costs.
3. Fix leaks. When it comes to wasting energy and water, a leak is more than just a drop in the bucket. A typical leaky shower head can waste up to 500 gallons of water a year. Save money by quickly repairing leaks on faucets, shower heads and hot water pipes.
4. Install water-efficient fixtures. Low-flow shower heads and aerator faucets can reduce water use and save on energy costs. Water-efficient fixtures typically cost no more than $10 to $20 and provide water savings of 25 to 60 percent.
5. Insulate pipes. Insulating accessible hot water pipes located within three feet of the tank can raise the water temperature and reduce heat loss. Use pipe insulation wrap or foam pipe sleeves. Fasten the insulation securely, and match the insulation to the diameter of the pipe. Pipe insulation kits are available at DIY or hardware stores.
If your water heater, dishwasher or clothes washer is older or in need of repair, consider upgrading to a new ENERGY STAR®-certified model. ENERGY STAR products use less energy than standard units.
Interested in saving even more? Check out Entergy's commercial and residential energy efficiency programs, which feature everything from free weatherization to rebates on energy efficient appliances. See what's available in your area.
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