Boost efficiency: simple diy tricks to get more hot water from your gas heater
What To Know
- If you have the space, using a clothesline to dry your clothes is a great way to save energy.
- The cost of insulating a water heater varies depending on the size of the water heater and the type of insulation used.
- The best way to save energy when washing clothes is to wash them in cold water and use a clothesline to dry them.
Gas water heaters are a common and efficient way to heat water for your home. However, there are a few things you can do to make your gas water heater even more efficient and save money on your energy bills.
1. Insulate Your Water Heater
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your gas water heater more efficient is to insulate it. This will help to prevent heat loss from the tank, which can account for up to 25% of the energy used by your water heater. You can purchase a water heater insulation blanket at most hardware stores.
2. Reduce the Temperature Setting
The temperature setting on your water heater is one of the biggest factors that affects its efficiency. The higher the temperature setting, the more energy your water heater will use. Most experts recommend setting the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to provide comfortable hot water for most purposes, but it is not so hot that it will waste energy.
3. Turn Down the Pilot Light
If your water heater has a pilot light, you can turn it down to save energy. The pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously to keep the gas burner lit. When you turn down the pilot light, you reduce the amount of gas that is used to keep the burner lit. This can save you up to 10% on your energy bills.
4. Use a Low-Flow Showerhead
A low-flow showerhead can help you to save water and energy. Low-flow showerheads restrict the flow of water, which reduces the amount of gas that is needed to heat the water. You can purchase a low-flow showerhead at most hardware stores.
5. Take Shorter Showers
One of the easiest ways to save energy is to take shorter showers. The average American shower lasts for about 8 minutes. If you can reduce your shower time by just 2 minutes, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills.
6. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water is another great way to save energy. Most detergents are now formulated to work well in cold water, so there is no need to use hot water to get your clothes clean. You can save up to 50% on your energy bills by washing clothes in cold water.
7. Use a Clothesline
If you have the space, using a clothesline to dry your clothes is a great way to save energy. Clothes dryers use a lot of energy, so air-drying your clothes can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills.
Wrapping Up: Making Your Gas Water Heater More Efficient
By following these tips, you can make your gas water heater more efficient and save money on your energy bills. These simple changes can make a big difference in your energy consumption and help you to reduce your environmental impact.
What You Need to Know
Q: How much does it cost to insulate a water heater?
A: The cost of insulating a water heater varies depending on the size of the water heater and the type of insulation used. However, most water heater insulation blankets cost between $20 and $50.
Q: How often should I turn down the pilot light on my water heater?
A: You should turn down the pilot light on your water heater once a year. This will help to prevent the pilot light from burning too high and wasting energy.
Q: What is the best way to save energy when washing clothes?
A: The best way to save energy when washing clothes is to wash them in cold water and use a clothesline to dry them.
