Proven Ways to Save Money on Hot Water: Your Guide to Saving without Sacrificing Comfort or Convenience

Money is tight. Everything seems to cost more these days, from your groceries to the energy you use within your home. Chances are good that you’ve cut spending in key areas to help make each pound go a little further. Now you’re considering your hot water usage. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can make smart changes that save you money without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes

Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes can dramatically reduce heat loss. Insulation helps maintain the temperature of the water in the tank and in the pipes that bring water from the cylinder to the tap, reducing the need for the heater to reheat it constantly. And most hardware stores carry water heater jackets and pipe insulation, so it’s easy to purchase.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators reduce the amount of hot water you use without affecting water pressure. These fixtures mix air with water to maintain a strong flow while using less water. Low-flow fixtures can reduce your heating-related costs, but you’ll also reduce your water usage, saving even more money, while also ensuring that you’re a good steward of a vital public resource.

Fix Leaks Promptly

Even a small drip from a faucet wastes a significant amount of water over time. Hot water leaks are particularly costly because they waste both water and the energy used to heat it. Check your faucets, showerheads, and pipes for leaks regularly and fix them immediately.

Use Cold Water for Laundry

Washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot can save energy. Most modern detergents are formulated with cold water in mind, so you don’t need to compromise on cleaning power. Reserve hot water washes for heavily soiled clothes.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular water heater maintenance is critical for efficient operation and longevity. Flushing the tank annually removes sediment buildup that can reduce performance and increase energy consumption. However, if you have an unvented cylinder, only G3-qualified engineers can maintain your water heater. (Hint: call us at EasyFlow!)

Invest in a More Efficient Water Heater

If your water heater is old and inefficient, it might be time to invest in a new one. Modern water heaters use significantly less energy than older models. Unvented cylinders, for instance, are much more efficient than vented cylinders. You’ll also enjoy mains pressure hot water throughout your home.

Use Your Dishwasher Efficiently

Run your dishwasher only when it’s full to reduce unnecessary hot water use. Using the eco or energy-saving mode can also reduce hot water usage. Modern dishwashers are designed to clean effectively with less water, so take advantage of these features to save on hot water.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to reduce energy and water consumption and cut down on your bills. Call the professionals at EasyFlow to learn more about annual maintenance or your options to replace an aging water heater with a modern unvented cylinder.