Nothing beats the convenience and comfort that comes with hot water systems. However, these appliances are some of the largest energy-consuming appliances you can have in your household. With that in mind, finding ways to run your hot water system more efficiently can save you a significant amount of money in your electricity bills. What's more, it will enhance the performance of the system and improve its durability by preventing unnecessary and costly faulty issues. Here are three tips to help you improve the efficiency of your hot water system.
Turn Your Thermostat Down
Lowering the temperature settings on the thermostat is the first step to reducing energy consumption when running your hot water system. Usually, the pre-set temperature that comes with most hot water systems is quite high for the human skin, which poses scalding risks for you and your family. By reducing the temperature by a few degrees, your hot water system won't need as much electricity to heat the water to the desired temperature.
Flush Your Hot Water Tank
If you have a storage (tank-based) hot water system, draining and flushing the tank once or so a year can significantly improve its performance. Doing this is essential because, over time, minerals will build up inside your hot water tank, where they will harden and form sediments. The sediments will, in turn, cause your hot water system to work harder, and this can result in issues such as overheating, which translates to high power consumption. Draining and flushing clears the sediments and allows your system to function more efficiently. It's worth noting that it's relatively easy to drain and flush a hot water tank, and you can even do it yourself. Many hot water systems come with instructions on draining and flushing. However, if you aren't the avid DIYer, hire a plumber to do it for you.
Insulate
It's natural for heat to leak away from hot water pipes and even the hot water tank itself. Sadly, what this means is that you'll have to heat more water (using more electricity in the process) to compensate for the lost heat. Insulating the pipes and the tank prevents such heat losses and enhances the efficiency of your hot water system. Keep in mind, however, that many hot water tanks usually come already insulated, so you shouldn't worry if you just bought yours. However, if it's been around for a couple of years, it would be worthwhile to add insulation.
