Ways to Save: Water Heating
Energy saving tips for water heaters
The second largest energy cost in your home is heating hot water. By upgrading your water heating equipment and changing your families' water consumption habits, you can reduce your energy usage and save money. Here are some ways to get started:
- Set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees F or the "low" setting, to save money and reduce the risk of scalding.
- Check the water heater for leaks and replace if it is leaking.
- Replace the pressure/temperature relief valve on the water heater if it is leaking.
- Check hot water pipes in the crawl space or basement for leaks and repair if necessary.
- Install pipe insulation on all exposed hot water pipes.
- Install pipe insulation on the first three feet of exposed cold water pipe connected to the water heater.
- Use the cold wash and rinse cycles to reduce hot water consumption when doing laundry.
- Check hot water faucets or shower valves for leaks and replace washers or repair valves if necessary.
- Install low-cost, energy-saving showerheads and faucet aerators. (If you have an older home with galvanized plumbing, you may wish to have professional install energy-saver showerheads.)
Calculate your energy savings
Use this online tool to figure your cost per day for water heating.
Rebate and promotions
Puget Sound Energy has rebates available for ENERGY STAR® qualified natural gas storage and tankless water heaters.