How To Save on Water Heating, Improve Comfort and Safety

Thermostat

Do you need instructions on how to change and install a heating element, anode rod, pilot light, or thermostat?

Is your water heater broken, and want to replace it yourself and save?

Do you want to know how to troubleshoot a water heater and repair noise, rotten egg odor, sediments, leaking, or any other hot water problem?

Would you like to know how to clean and maintain your tankless or tank-type water heater and prevent future problems?

Are you asking yourself; how to save on water heating and improve comfort, or if it is better to buy or rent a water heater.

These and many other homeowners' concerns we will explore here in our useful DIY guide.

The guide will help you save on water heating, improve comfort, and protect your home and your family from scalding burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, premature failures, and other accidents.

Note that installing a water heater or any of its elements, including troubleshooting or repairs, is no average DIY home project. It can be a challenging process but eventually can save you money. You must have plumbing, gas, and electrical skills, have the right tools, know the local codes, and be willing to spend some time working on it.

And if you are not comfortable working on it, the best is to contact a licensed professional and avoid potential failures and other risks.

Other ways to save on water heating

The above instructions are mostly DIY projects that can help you save money by working on your water heater instead of hiring expensive plumbers.

Heating a home is also expensive, so as is heating water.

Energy used for heating water accounts for almost 20% of the average home's energy usage, making it the second largest energy expense.

So, if you are looking to save on water heating, try lowering your energy usage first. Some of the ways we can use to reduce energy usage are shown below. These are just simple things you can do around the house, but they all add up.

Some methods are free, some nearly free, and some with a higher cost:

• Install a tankless. Switch to an ultra-efficient condensing tankless water heater to heat water on demand, when needed, and avoid standby heat loss. They come with ultra-high efficiency of over 90% and are Energy Star approved, which often brings rebates and tax credits.
• Insulate the system. If your old tank-type water heater is or has become low efficient or water pipes are exposed to cold temperatures, consider adding an insulation blanket to the tank and foam sleeves to the pipes.
• Install a timer. A timer can help you save money by turning the unit on only when you need hot water. Most modern models come with built-in controllers.
• Reduce the temperature. If you lower your temperature on the thermostat by a few degrees, you will definitely lose comfort but increase savings on energy use.
• Change your habits. Sometimes small things make the difference. Try taking shorter showers, using cold water to wash hands and produce, running a full dishwasher only, or opting for a cold water option when washing clothes.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Use low-flow showerheads and faucets.