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Home owners energy saving tips: Reducing your utility costs related to hot water heaters

By Steve Homer

Real Estate Agent with The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)

May 12, 2008 06:00 AM

There are a few easy ways to cut down on utility costs as they apply to heating water, the third largest energy expense in your home. There are many ways to save which would include using less hot water, insulating your existing heater, or buying a new one. Insulating blankets may be purchased at Lowe's or most home improvement stores. New water heaters are MUCH more efficient than models made just a few years ago. If your current unit is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it not only for the energy savings, but also as a safety precaution, especially if it is a gas water heater. Here are more ideas to consider:

Repair leaky faucets.
Turn down the temperature on your water heater. Most water heaters come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting at 115 degrees F usually provides comfortable hot water for most uses.
Drain a quart or more of water from the tank every month or so to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers efficiency.
Take showers instead of baths. The average shower uses 17.2 gallons of water, 25 percent less than a bath, which uses 24 gallons of water.

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Other articles on Saving on Energy Costs:

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Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home

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How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

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Stephen Gladstone

Stonehollow Fine Home Inspections & Testing - Stamford, CT

Good suggestions Steve. What a great last name for a realtor! Another good suggestion... just use less hot water. Many people let the water run til it gets hot. And take very long showers. Turn off the water sooner or when you are lathering...then turn it back on. Best Regards Steve Gladstone

May 12, 2008 06:15 AM

Anonymous

Reducing Your Oil Cost - Pilgrim Oil Group

Home Heating Tips

Heating is the single biggest energy use in homes. A well maintained heating system will hold down fuel costs and provide reliable comfort.
Thermostats should be located on an inside wall or where they will not be subject to draft or heat.
Use door snakes to reduce drafts.
Block off your open fireplace when not in use.
Capture as much sunlight as possible.
Close curtains before dark to keep heat in.
Use and extra blanket if a bit cold.
The many small openings in a home can add up to big heat losses. Caulking and weather stripping cracks in walls and floors, windows and doors will save fuel and money.
Use ceiling fans to distribute the heat throughout your home.
Proper insulation in walls, ceilings and floors also significantly reduces the loss of heat to the outdoors. Insulation will pay for itself in fuel cost savings and home comfort.
Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as !5% by preventing warm air from escaping to the outside. Double glazed and thermopane windows can minimize heat escape.

Water Heating Tips

Fix dripping faucets and start saving money today.
Adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater so the water at the tap is no more than 50 degrees C.
Use cold water when filling the kettle and only heat the amount you need.
Take showers instead of baths and save 5%.
Wrap your hot water heater with an insulation wrapper and save 5% or $58 per year.
Fit water saving shower heads and save $48 per year on average. http://www.oilforless.com

May 13, 2008 02:26 AM

Cheri Smith

Prudential Gary Greene, Cypress TX - Cypress, TX

Realtor Prudential Gary Greene

Good advice.

I'm looking into the tankless for my next water heater upgrade.

May 13, 2008 03:18 AM

Steve Homer

The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate) - Round Rock, TX

Cheri: I have a client who just picked up a tankless and he loves it! Let us know how it works out for you!

May 13, 2008 04:34 AM

Chul KIM McGuire

CorpusTV.com - Corpus Christi, TX

Steve,

Good blog.

Electric Water Heater Timers

I recommend for those home owners who have electric waters to install an electric water heater timer. One manufacturer that I'm aware of, and perhaps the only one in the common market, is Intermatic. The unit costs about $30 bucks from Home Depot. I have one installed on my water heater. It has a manual timer off switch too.

Cheers, KIM. The WebTV Realtor.

May 13, 2008 12:00 PM

Gary J. Rocks

Juba Team Realty - Jefferson Township, NJ

Steve

I've been looking in all the lowes and home depots for a timer for my hot water heated which is electric. everyone gives me a funny look. Years ago my dad had one on his hot water heater and saved a bundle, he is gone now. do you know where I could get one or do they still make them?

Mar 27, 2009 04:48 AM

Stephen Gladstone

Stonehollow Fine Home Inspections & Testing - Stamford, CT

There are energy saver timer boxes made for water heaters... check a good electric supply house.

Steve Gladstone.

Mar 27, 2009 12:32 PM

Anonymous

residential Energy saving tips

Pleasant informative post. Keep posting. This does give us a lot of information. Cheerful posting.

residential Energy saving tips

May 11, 2010 07:49 PM

Anonymous

Barnabee

Great detailed information about how to save on energy cost.

I would like to ad to this after you have the most possible energy efficient home, the in many States you have the choice to shop for competitive rates for you Electricity and or Natural Gas.

Many States already part of the new and not so new Utility Deregulation's.

Naturally your utility supplier will not contact you about the changes.

Also by using instant water heater you save on your water bill.

In the following States you have the choice to switch for better rates on Residential Natural Gas:

Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey,and California.

Residential Electricity deregulated States: Texas and Pennsylvania.

On all you telecommunication Internet Home Security all the States Wide

Then you will be having some savings and by utilizing restaurant coupons you can treat yourself and your family or friends for a nice meals.

Most of the savings you can calculate on my website online calculator 24/7

http://www.myutilitybrokers.com/barnabee

Many realtor can benefit for offering better utility rates for they clients and earn commissions

Texas one of the most advanced States on Utility Deregulation's.