Expert Electric Blog

Electric Water Heater Energy Saving Tips

At Expert Electric, we know that water heaters can often get in the way for homeowners who are trying to cut down on their electric bill. This is because hot water heaters are designed to have hot water ready to go, whether you need it or not. If you are trying to cut down on your electric bill but are being prevented by your hot water tank, here are some simple electric water heater energy saving tips.

1. Turn Down the Tank’s Thermostat

For every 10 degrees that you are able to turn down your electric water heater, you can save about 3-5% on your electric bill. While most water heaters come pre-set at 140 degrees, your water tank can actually be turned down to 120 degrees and still produce the right amount of hot water for your needs.

2. Use Less Hot Water

One of the surest ways to cut down on your hot water costs is to use less of it. This can be accomplished by simply installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, which can help cut your water consumption by 25-60%. Another way to cut down on hot water consumption is to set your dishwasher to economy mode. Since most modern dishwasher can handle dirty dishes, you can skip the pre-washing habit by scraping the remaining dinner contents into the green waste bin.

3. Drain the Sediment

Since tanks naturally build up sediment that can reduce efficiency and make energy savings a challenge, draining the electric water heater every now and then can help keep the tank running at the optimal level. To drain the sediment from your hot water tank:

  1. Turn off the water and power to the hot water tank.
  2. Connect a garden hose to the spigot at the base of the hot water tank.
  3. Point the hose at a nearby drain, carefully lifting the tank’s pressure-relief valve, and turn on the tank’s spigot. The water should begin to flow down the drain.

4. Insulate Exposed Hot Water Pipes

Insulating your hot water pipes will help the water arrive at the faucet about 2-4 degrees warmer, which means that you will not have to wait as long for it to warm up. Simply taking the time to insulate the exposed water pipes in areas such as the basement can help save energy, water, and money in the long run.

5. Insulate the Hot Water Tank

If you have an older hot water tank that is located in an unheated space, wrapping it with an insulated blanket is a simple and easy way to reduce costs. Using an insulated blanket on an older model can help cut heat loss by 25-45%, which can save 4-9% on the average electric bill.

If you would like to learn more electric water heater energy saving tips, or if you are interested in one of our residential electrical services or commercial electrical services, please contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.