From washing up, to showering, to overall appliance use – including dishwashers and washing machines – the average American family goes through approximately 70 gallons of water each and every day. All of this water adds up. In fact, it comes to about 20 percent of your home’s bills.
All hope is not lost, though, and there are a number of tips you can follow that will help you save money. Here are just a few to get you started:
Use less hot water
Conserving hot water is sure to reduce your energy bills. Check out these statistics about hot water use and easy ways to cut back.
- Typical shower: 10 gallons
Save by: installing low-flow shower heads. - Average load of laundry: 25 gallons
Save by: washing your clothes in cold water and adjusting the water level to reflect the size of the load. - Running your bathroom or kitchen faucet: two gallons per minute!
Save by: shutting off your faucet if you’re not actually using the water. This includes brushing your teeth or shaving. You can also save by filling the sink with dishes and rinsingn them all at once. - Dishwasher cycle: six gallons
Save by: not running the dishwasher until you have completely filled it.
Hot water insulation: improve your situation
Most of hot water’s actual heat is gone after transfer. This takes place in the storage tank or in the pipes coming from it, and that usually means the first six feet of pipe. You can make a big difference with insulation.
How low can you go? Water heater thermostat check
While most thermostats default to 130° F (or higher!) most hot water needs are met with a maximum temperature of 120° F. If you want to double check, check your manufacturer recommendations for specific temperature minimums.
A high-efficiency propane model: the way to go
From conventional tank models to tankless water heaters, today’s propane heaters are known to be more efficient than what you may be used to.
Today’s propane water heaters are known for their efficiency. Both conventional tank models as well as tankless water heaters virtually guarantee ample hot water to satisfy your needs without breaking the bank.
And while tankless propane water heaters do cost more at first, your savings over time will prove well worth the investment.
The facts behind propane tankless water heaters
What’s that tin-can-esque structure sitting there? Well, you might say it’s your water heater, but what you’re actually looking at is the water heater’s storage tank. The actual unit that heats the water is a small burner at the bottom of the tank, and that – along with a few parts within the tank – heats the water.
The truth is that not all water heaters have to store water. Instead, some water heaters work as needed, and get heated water, on demand, straight from a water pipe. Units that operate this way are generally fueled by propane and known as tankless water heaters. If you’re looking to lower your energy bills and increase efficiency, a tankless water heater is most definitely worth your consideration.
Tankless water heaters have a small footprint, and are sure to leave you with extra square footage in your home. In fact, most of them can hang on a wall and are no bigger than a small piece of luggage. To top it off, a tankless water heater will likely last twice as long as a conventional storage tank water heater.
Tankless water heaters: how they work
If you have a traditional water heater now, it heats water and then stores it until you need it. In many cases – especially if it is in an unheated space – this type of tank will lose heat as time goes by. Not ideal.
Alternatively, think about the merits of a tankless hot water heater. When you turn on an appliance or your hot water faucets, water circulates through a heat exchanger and is delivered on-demand. This change can result in a 40 percent improvement in efficiency, allowing for virtually unlimited access to hot water. It also results in no waiting as your tank drains so it can refill and reheat.
If you’re wondering if a propane tankless water heater is the best option for your home, start your research now. Don’t wait until you have an emergency situation to find out how you can benefit from a high-efficiency propane water heater. Reach out to your local propane provider today for expert advice.
You can also find out which type of water heater may be best for your New York home by filling out this brief questionnaire.