There is nothing quite as enjoyable as a warm bath to end a long day or a hot shower to kick one off. Knowing that you are the proud owner of one of the many well-maintained water heaters in Plano, TX comes with the enjoyment of never being afraid to step into that water stream in the morning.
What can cause your breath to catch, however, is seeing your water bill at the end of the month. While a water heater provides you with benefits that our ancestors likely would have loved, using it comes at a cost. But what if we told you there were ways to keep the price tag for running your water heater reasonable year-round?
Shorten Your Shower Time
Some of us really enjoy our time in the shower, but it may be time to cut back! Consider keeping your showers to under 15 minutes. It may help to keep the door to the bathroom closed so you are less wary of exiting the shower once you finish.
Reduce Your Water Temperature
Check your water heater temperature and consider lowering it to 120 degrees, if it isn’t at this temperature already. According to the U.S. Department of energy, you save 3 – 5% on your water heating bill for every 10 degrees that you lower your water temperature. This is especially helpful during warmer months when you don’t use as much hot water, and it gives you a bit more elbow room for higher hot water demands in fall and winter.
Don’t Leave Water Running
Do you leave the faucet on while you are brushing your teeth? Have you ever turned on the kitchen sink faucet to wash a dish and let it run while you checked your phone? These habits waste both water and energy so make sure to turn these fixtures off when you aren’t actively using them.
Use Low-Flow Fixtures
If nudging your kitchen sink or your showerhead brings about a deluge of water with little prompting, you may want to consider replacing your fixtures with low flow alternatives. Investing in newer showerheads or faucet spigots can save you up to 60% in water costs.
Consider Repairing or Upgrading Your Water Heater
One of the biggest expenses you can encounter is from a water heater that isn’t running properly. Make sure you address potential repair needs, such as a leaking temperature and pressure valve, as soon as possible to reduce lost water and energy.
Bigger issues like a leaking water heater tank, mean your unit will need to be replaced. In these instances, you may want to consider opting for a more energy-efficient water heater. For example, switching from a tank water heater to a tankless one can save you more on your monthly bills as they cost less to run and require a fraction of the time to heat your water.
Chances are if you are seeing an amount that seems a little too pricey, you may be dealing with a water heater that requires repairs or a replacement. Don’t wait until you have to question how many days you can go without showering or washing your dishes. Contact a professional plumber today to schedule maintenance for your water heater.
Reach out to the pros at Hutchins Plumbing & Air Conditioning to learn more about our water heater services. Get it done right… Right now!
