A report released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that water heaters contribute to 18% of your total utility bill. However, there are ways in which you can use your water heater to significantly reduce your energy bills. One of these is upgrading to a tankless water heater since it has more benefits than a traditional water heater. Keep reading to learn more.

1. A Tankless Water Heater Is an Energy Saver

Homeowners are advised to invest in tankless water heaters because they play a significant role in conserving energy. To be precise, tankless water heaters can save up to 40% of energy; hence, that is why they are preferred to old-school water heaters.

Unlike old-school water heaters, tankless water heaters only run when you are using the hot water. They turn off when you turn the tap off. A traditional water heater provides hot water by first heating it and then keeping it off. Needless to say, a tankless water heater can massively reduce energy bills in your home.

2. The Right-Sized Water Heater Should Be Your Go-To

In addition to choosing a tankless water heater, ensure you select the right-sized water heater. Most people believe a smaller water heater is the best bet when it comes to reducing energy bills. However, this is not always the case since an undersized water heater is likely to be overworked.

The burner of a smaller water heater will run constantly while using the hot water; thus, it can lead to higher utility costs. With that said, plumbers advise that you settle on the right-sized water heater for your house. A larger water heater that can adequately support the hot water needs of your household is highly recommended because it can help to reduce your energy bills.

3. Water Heaters Have Thermostats That You Can Turn Down

Lowering the thermostat on your water heater can help you to cut down on utility costs. The factory preset for water heaters ranges from 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is unsuitable for human skin because it is far too warm and can cause scalding. It becomes even more dangerous if you have young children around.

Having said that, it is advisable that you lower your thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by the DOE. Ideally, research shows that if you lower your water temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save between 3% and 5% on your total water heating costs. The thermostats on water heaters make this very much achievable.

Another way to use a water heater to reduce energy bills is to install a volt timer. A volt timer is particularly handy for someone with a traditional water heater. Its role is to turn off the water heater overnight so that energy does not go to waste.

Water heaters are one of the appliances that consume a lot of energy in modern households. However, there are ways you can use yours to reduce your energy bills. At All-Out Plumbing, we ensure effective cost savings by providing professional water heater repair services to the residents of Albuquerque, NM, so give us a call today to learn more.