Use Less Water Overall
One of the easiest ways to cut your hot water usage is simply to use less water in general around your home. This will reduce the amount of water you have to heat up in the first place. Some easy ways to use less water:
Take shorter showers instead of baths
Turn off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, etc.
Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher instead of small loads
Fix any leaky faucets, which can waste 90+ litres per week
The less water you use, the less you’ll be paying to heat up. It’s an easy place to start reducing hot water energy demands.
Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder
An insulated hot water cylinder will dramatically cut down on heat loss. This keeps the water hotter for longer, so your system doesn’t need to work as hard to reheat it. Insulation wraps around cylinders are affordable, easy to install, and one of the most effective energy saving measures you can take.
Invest in Efficient Appliances
When it’s time to replace appliances and fixtures, invest in the most water and energy efficient models you can. Low-flow showerheads and tap aerators reduce water consumption. Energy Star rated dishwashers, washing machines and hot water heaters use significantly less power. Efficient appliances save you money over their lifespan.
Take Advantage of Solar Power
Adding solar hot water panels or a solar-assisted heat pump to your system dramatically cuts the power needed from the electrical grid. Solar power is an excellent renewable energy source and free once the system is paid off! For the greatest savings, use your solar heated water during peak sunlight hours.
Maintain Your Hot Water System
A well-maintained hot water system operates at peak efficiency. Drain and flush heaters annually to prevent sediment buildup. Check pressure relief valves and consider replacing the anode rod. Insulate all pipes to prevent heat loss. Replace very old systems with efficient new models to maximise savings.
Lower the Thermostat
Unless you have an infant or elderly household members, heating water to 60°C is unnecessary. Turn down your cylinder or electric heater thermostat to 50-55°C to save power while still safely meeting sanitation needs. You can always boost the temperature temporarily when needed.
Use Timers and Smart Controls
Take Shorter Showers
Lease Solar Hot Water Service
Use Hot Water Mindfully
At the end of the day, the best way to slash water heating costs is to use hot water more mindfully. Think through when and why you need it – from washing clothes to taking showers. Eliminate any unnecessary usage and determine what temperature water really needs to be for the task. A bit of planning goes a long way.
Installing energy efficient fixtures, maintaining your system, and harnessing solar power are all fantastic ways to cut your household’s hot water bills. But equally important is using less water overall and simply being more mindful of when and why you need hot water.
Follow these handy tips from the team at Hot Water Solutions Auckland, and you’ll see significant savings while still meeting all your hot water needs. Lower energy costs put money back in your pocket each month – a great bonus during rising inflation. Contact us anytime to learn about additional ways you can save on hot water heating costs throughout your home.
Use our contact us page to reach us and we will be more than happy to discuss your hot water situation. Or give us a call on 0800 497658
At Hot Water Solutions all we do is hot water!
