WATER HEATING
Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 14% of your utility bill. There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, or buy a new, more efficient water heater. A family of 4 each showering for 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; this is enough for a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person. You can cut that amount in half simply by using low-flow nonaerating showerheads and faucets.
Tips:
- Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period
- Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat
- Buy a new energy-efficient water heater. While it may cost more initially than a standard water heater, the energy savings will continue during the lifetime of the appliance
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 115 degrees farenheit provides comfortable hot water for most uses.
INSULATE YOUR WATER HEATER
TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY
| Shower |
37% |
| Clothes washer |
26% |
| Dishwasher |
14% |
| Bath |
12% |
| Sinks |
11% |
HOT WATER USAGE
The typical U.S. homeowner's water consumption by place of use.
RUSK COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
