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Your hot water heater can be a real energy hog – accounting for about 25% of your home energy usage. But improvements and changes around your home can help you cut your energy bill down significantly!

Install low-flow shower heads

Using less water is the first step. However, we know that encouraging your family of four to perfect the 5 minute shower isn’t realistic. If you can’t change your behavior, change your shower head. Low flow shower heads reduce your gallons per minute to just 2 gallons – while older shower heads are double that!

Adjust water usage for other appliances

Make your dish washer and clothes washer more efficient by adjusting your default settings. For your washer – use cold water when possible. For your dish washer, make sure it is set on the economy setting. Do full loads whenever possible for both.

Lower your hot water heater thermostat

For every 10 degrees you turn your water heater down, you’ll save 3% to 5% on your bill. While most factory water heaters come set at 140°, many people find that 120° is still a comfortable temperature. The 20° could save you 10-20%!

Insulate your hot water pipes

Pipe insulation can increase your standing water temperature by 2 to 4 degrees. Warmer water takes less time to heat up – saving energy and time!

Insulating your hot water heater pipes can save you an average of $8-$12 per year. It’s a fairly easy DIY job that will only cost you around $10. Visit Energy.gov for tips on insulating your pipes.

Insulate older hot water heater tanks

Wrapping your older hot water heater in an insulated blanket can reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%.

Your hot water heater’s insulation should have an R-value of at least 24. If not, you can install a pre-cut hot water heater jacket or blanket for around just $20.

Most newer models already have insulation built into the tank. If yours does – you don’t need to double insulate as this could be a hazard.

Consider upgrading your hot water heater and other appliances

Upgrading new newer appliances with an energy star rating can improve the efficiency of water usage across your home. If you are in the market to buy, check out Energy Star’s list of most efficient appliances

Propane Gas Hot Water Heater Rebate

Ask Kauffman Gas about our Water Heater Rebate program