Most of us never think about our water heaters until the shower goes cold right when we have shampoo in our hair. Since the water heater is out of sight in a basement or utility room, many people don’t realize that this system is a major part of their monthly expenses. It works around the clock to keep water hot just in case you need it. If your heater is old or struggling, it’s probably having a lot of repair issues. When you pay a little attention to how it runs, you can stop wasting cash and start feeling much more comfortable in your own home.
The Hidden Cost of Constant Heating
A standard water heater uses electricity or gas to maintain a full tank of hot water even while you’re sleeping or at work. This is called standby heat loss. It accounts for a significant chunk of your utility bill. If your tank doesn’t have enough insulation, the heat escapes into the cold air of your garage or basement. This forces the machine to turn back on repeatedly. You’re essentially paying to heat the air around the tank instead of the water inside it.
Sediment Is the Enemy of Your Wallet
Over time, tiny bits of minerals and sand called sediment settle at the bottom of your water heater. This happens in every home. Water naturally carries these small particles through the pipes. This layer of gunk acts like a thick blanket between the heating element and the water it’s trying to warm up. Since the heat has to travel through that crusty layer of minerals first, the machine has to run much longer and much hotter to get the job done. You might notice a popping or rumbling sound coming from the tank. This is the sound of steam bubbles fighting their way through the sediment. This extra work wears out your heater faster and adds a lot of unnecessary cost to your monthly budget.
The Temperature Sweet Spot
Most of the time, water heater manufacturers set the temperature gauge to 140 degrees before shipping the units out of the factory. While this sounds nice for killing germs, this temperature is hotter than what families need. About 120 degrees is a sweet spot. This setting allows you to bathe comfortably and save on utility costs.
You don’t necessarily have to purchase a new water heater to enjoy significant savings. You can insulate your current unit to keep heat from escaping and purchase insulation jackets for water heater tanks at your local hardware store or Home Depot. In addition to wrapping your tank, you can also do the same for your pipes. This way, you’ll get to enjoy savings in just a few short months. When you need water heater services in Corvallis, OR, contact Evenflo Plumbing.
