7 Ways to Improve Your Water Heater’s Energy Efficiency
Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home. Whether it’s providing warm showers in the morning or hot water for washing dishes, it’s something you likely rely on daily. But have you considered how much energy your water heater uses? An inefficient water heater could be hiking up your energy bills and shortening its lifespan. By maintaining your water heater and taking steps to improve its energy efficiency, you can save money, extend its life, and ensure optimal performance.
At Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to help homeowners in Broomfield and Westminster with all of their plumbing needs. If you have any issues or questions, feel free to give the 5-star plumbers at Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling a call at 720-788-8641 for fast and trustworthy help today!
Below, we’ll explore why regular maintenance matters, what can go wrong if it’s neglected, and provide seven effective ways to boost your water heater’s energy efficiency.
Why Is Water Heater Maintenance Important?
Your water heater works hard for you, but like any appliance, it requires care to run efficiently. Regular maintenance helps keep the internal components clean and functional, prevents costly repairs, and ensures it operates at peak performance. Plus, it can help you extend the lifespan of your water heater, so you can avoid early replacement costs.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to several issues:
- Sediment Build-Up: Over time, minerals in the water can collect at the bottom of the tank. This sediment reduces the water heater's ability to heat efficiently and makes it work harder.
- Higher Energy Costs: If your water heater is struggling to operate, it will consume more energy, which can quickly inflate your utility bills.
- Shortened Lifespan: A poorly maintained water heater will wear out faster, leading to breakdowns or replacement sooner than necessary.
- Loss of Hot Water: Improper maintenance can result in irregular heating or insufficient hot water when you need it most.
- Potential Leaks: Ignoring maintenance increases the risk of leaks, which can cause extensive water damage to your home.
If you’ve been putting off water heater maintenance, now’s the time to act. By being proactive, you’ll avoid these issues and maximize your system's performance.
How to Improve Water Heater Energy Efficiency
Here are seven practical steps you can take to increase your water heater's efficiency and save on energy costs.
1. Flush the Tank Regularly
Over time, sediment like calcium and magnesium builds up inside the tank, creating a barrier between the water and the heating elements. This forces your water heater to use more energy. Flushing the tank at least once a year can remove sediment and improve efficiency.
If you're not sure how to do this, the expert Broomfield Plumbers at Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help.
2. Lower the Thermostat
Keep your temperature setting on the water heater at 120°F, as most households don’t need water hotter than that. By lowering the temperature, you can reduce the energy your water heater uses without sacrificing comfort. This simple change can save you up to 10% annually on your energy bills.
3. Keep the Area Around Your Water Heater Clear
Gas-powered water heaters need plenty of oxygen to burn fuel efficiently. If the surrounding area is cluttered and the unit can’t get enough air, it can put extra strain on the burner, lower energy efficiency, and even lead to damage. Keeping the area free of clutter also reduces the risk of accidental fires, especially in units heated by gas.
If your water heater starts leaking, having the area clear makes it much easier to notice. Stashed boxes or stored items might block your view, delaying detection.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating the pipes connected to your water heater is another great way to conserve energy. By keeping the heat in the water as it travels to your faucets, you’ll get hot water faster and waste less energy in the process. Our Westminster Plumbers specialize in energy-saving solutions like pipe insulation to help keep your home running efficiently.
5. Turn It Down While You’re Away
Before heading out of town, lower the temperature on your water heater to save energy and keep costs in check. There's no need to heat water you won't be using, and reducing the temperature prevents unnecessary wear on the system. It’s a simple way to be energy-smart and extend your heater’s lifespan!
6. Consider a Tankless Water Heater
If your current water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan (8-12 years for most conventional units), now may be a good time to upgrade to a tankless water heater. Unlike traditional models, tankless water heaters only heat water on demand, leading to significant energy savings.
The knowledgeable Broomfield Plumbers at Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling can guide you through the options and help with installation.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance
The best way to ensure your water heater operates efficiently is to schedule regular maintenance with professionals. Annual maintenance can include flushing the tank, checking the pressure relief valve, inspecting connections, and other essential tasks. Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers reliable water heater maintenance services for homes in Westminster and beyond.
The Role of Professional Plumbers
Many homeowners can handle some of these steps, like thermostat adjustments or pipe insulation, on their own. However, more technical tasks like flushing the tank or upgrading to a tankless water heater are best left to the experts. That’s where our team at Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling shines.
Our experienced Plumbers serving Broomfield, Westminster, and surround Denver areas, are trained to handle all types of water heater issues. Whether you need a quick repair, a maintenance check-up, or a full replacement, we’re here to help.
Maintaining and improving your water heater’s efficiency doesn’t just save you money – it also reduces your carbon footprint and enhances your comfort at home. Make your water heater work smarter, not harder, with expert guidance and care.
Need assistance with your water heater? Contact Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling today. Whether you’re in Broomfield, Westminster, or surrounding areas, we’re your trusted team for all things plumbing, heating, and cooling!