Save Hot Water Dollars

Heating water is a big energy expense

Take the jug test. Cut the top of a gallon milk jug to determine the water flow of your showerhead. If the jug fills up in less than 20 seconds, you could probably benefit from a new low-flow model.

Your energy dollars could be going up in steam and you may not even know it.

Heating water is close to the top of the list when it comes to the money you spend on energy. But most of us don't realize it since the water heater quietly goes about its job day after day without our attention.

Many of the measures that save water heating dollars have a dual benefit-they also save precious water resources. If you buy water, that also means a lower water bill.

According to the American Water Works Association, the average household uses 350 gallons of water a day, with the top user being toilets. Showers and baths, both hot water users, account for 19 percent of the total.

Try several of these measures at your home or business to make a dent in your water heating costs:

1. Install low-flow showerheads. Replacing old showerheads with new low-flow models can save several gallons of hot water every minute the water runs. And you don't have to sacrifice an invigorating shower to save water. Several low-flow showerheads under $10 perform very well while using a minimal amount of water.

2. Change your attitude about using hot water. Don't let hot water run while shaving. Fill the kitchen sink when washing dishes instead of letting hot water run down the drain. Turn off the shower while you lather. Don't use the warm or hot water setting on your washer if the clothes don't require it (most clothes don't these days). Wait until there's a full load before washing clothes or dishes.

3. Insulate hot water pipes. Convenient pre-formed, pre-cut pipe insulation is available at any home improvement store. There's no messy gluing since the adhesive is already applied and the only tool required is a pair of scissors. Not only does pipe insulation save energy and money; it also aids in delivering hot water quicker when you open the faucet.

4. Wrap old water heaters with insulating jackets. Insulation jackets are available for under $20 and will save their purchase price many times over. Before installing, make sure a wrap won't void your water heater's warranty.

5. Insulate the bottom of conventional water heaters. Surprise! There's no insulation on the bottom of a conventional water heater. The floor below, especially if it's concrete, acts as a giant heat sink and sucks the heat you pay for right from the tank. Before the water heater is installed, place a piece of insulating foam sheathing between the water heater and the floor.

Installing pipe insulation on hot water lines is an easy job this day with pre-formed, pre-slitted material. Consider it on cold water lines too if you have trouble with freezing pipes.

6. Install a Marathon water heater. Marathon water heaters are the world's most efficient. Their super-thick foam insulation wraps the entire unit, including the bottom. And they're guaranteed never to leak as long as you own them. Walton EMC carries a variety of Marathon models and sizes.

7. Lower the water temperature. Besides wasting energy, water heaters set too high are a scald hazard. A setting of 120 degrees is adequate for home needs.

8. Fix leaks. If there are leaks in your hot water system, you're literally pouring money down the drain. Severe hot water leaks can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly energy bill. But don't discount small leaks, either. A leak of one drop a second adds up to 200 gallons a month. That's four tanks of hot water.

9. Install a waste heat recovery system. These systems make free hot water by using heat removed from inside the building during cooling. Stand-alone units are available for commercial installation. Systems for residential use connect to heat pumps or air conditioners. Call us about rebates.

10. Look for water-efficient appliances. Water-efficient clothes and dish washers use less of the hot water you've paying to heat.

The Marathon's super-thick foam insulated tank is the best on the market at keeping heat where it belongs. It's no-leak guarantee means water also stays where it belongs.