There is nothing quite like the invigorating effects of a long shower or the relaxing feeling of whiling away an afternoon in a piping hot bath. Unfortunately, when the power bill finally arrives, these little luxuries can end up costing you more than you’d bargained for!
One of the biggest aspects of power consumption for any residential home is the cost of heating hot water. Usually, the costs associated with hot water heating make up at least a third of the average home’s power bill. Thankfully, there are many energy saving methods that the average family can use to cut their hot water costs. If you don’t want to be caught out over your energy usage, the practical and easy to follow tips on this page will help you save money, power and help the environment.
Check Your Insulation
Making sure your hot water cylinder is well insulated will help the unit retain its warmth and use power more efficiently. Many older model hot water heaters are not sufficiently insulated, so if your system is more than ten years old you may need to invest in some insulation! It is also worthwhile to insulate the hot water pipe that connects to your cylinder. If you feel that these kind of plumbing maintenance services are beyond your DIY skills, the best bet is to speak with a qualified plumber.
Regulate Your Usage
A simple method of keeping your hot water costs low is to regulate both the temperature of your water and the time you spend using it. An electric or gas hot water heater cylinder should be kept at 60°C and flow from the tap at a maximum of 55°C to prevent scalding. Likewise, by spending less time in the shower or opting for short showers over baths, you can dramatically decrease your yearly hot water bills. Some shower heads also allow you to add flow restrictions to help save water. Cutting your average showing time by just three minutes will make a huge difference!
Upgrade Your System
Over the past decade, there have been huge advances in hot water heating technology. Newer systems use less power and utilise the power the do use in a more efficient way. Also, by installing an eco-friendly and cost effective solar water heater you can improve your bank balance and help out Mother Nature. While the initial price may prove an obstacle for some budget conscious home-owners, it is worth bearing in mind that the long term savings will more than outweigh the start-up costs.
Other energy efficient options such as heat pumps and gas continuous flows which can help you save money on power.
Your trusted local plumbers at Collin’s Plumbing, Gas & Heating offer a large selection of modern and affordable hot water heaters to choose from. We can give you straightforward and practical advice on what system will be best for your home. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you to save energy and save money, please feel free to contact Collin’s Plumbing, Gas & Heating today.
