Tips For Saving Energy and Money on Utility Bills With Older Water Heaters - Best Solution, Go Solar

Older tank-style hot water heaters are not very efficient whether they are electric or gas. They are typically set up to run on their own to heat the water in the tank when the water in the tank goes below a certain temperature. The water heater does not know when you need the hot water so it heats your water whether you are in need of the hot water or not. This is very inefficient as it happens when you are at work, sleeping, on vacation, at the grocery store, always. The best thing you can do to eliminate these wasted dollars on utility bills is to have a new Solar Hot Water Heater installed.

Solar Water Heaters are very affordable (typically $6,000 to $10,000 before rebates) especially with the current tax incentives and local utility rebates that are being offered. Costs after tax incentives and rebates can go as low as $2,000 which includes a NEW, energy efficient (Energy Star) Electric Hot Water Heater with the system.

Should you chose to not upgrade to a solar water heater, there are some simple things you can do to save energy, reduce pollution and save money on your utility bill with your old water heater. As I mentioned above, tank-style water heaters work to keep the water in the tank hot around the clock, even when hot water is not needed. But since the tank constantly loses heat to the surrounding air, it kicks back on to heat the water again and again in case it's needed.

Here are a few tips to increase your older tank's efficiency:

* Lower the tank's temperature: continue to lower the temperature on your tank to the lowest point that your normal household usage still has enough hot water. This will also prevent scalding.

* Install a water heater timer: this will allow you to adjust when you water heater is turned on and off. It allows you to have the tank turn on when you typically use the hot water and turn off when you do not. Timers are easy to install and relatively inexpensive ($40-160). Programmable models are even available so you can fully customize time-frames.

* Wrap your tank: you can wrap your hot water tank in a hot water tank blanket. They can be purchased at many hardware stores.
* Fix all leaky faucets.
* Insulate the room the tank is located in.
* Opt for off-peak metering: if this is available in your area, and place such appliances as the hot water heater, dishwasher and washing machine on it.

* Turn it off when you're out of town: For electric heaters without a switch, you can turn it off at the breaker box.
For gas heaters, follow the instructions printed on the heater. (Usually you can just turn the thermostat, NOT the gas knob, to OFF - unless you feel you're competent to re-light the heater when you return.)

When it's time for replacement, please consider going with a solar water system. Be sure you or your contractor recycles your old water heater. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.