A water heater is an essential part of any home. However, they are also one of the biggest energy users in your home. When you turn on your hot water heater, it uses as much energy as a refrigerator, freezer and light bulbs combined. This is because water heaters need to maintain a set temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe for use. Unfortunately, that high temperature also makes them one of the biggest energy users in your home. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce their energy consumption. Here are some tips to help lower your water heater’s energy cost while still maintaining comfortable hot water at all times of the year.- Gathering Data First and foremost, you need to know how much your water heater is costing you in terms of energy consumption. There are lots of apps out there that will track your water heater’s energy usage, so take advantage of them! Another great resource is your local energy provider. They can let you know exactly how much you’re spending on water and what you can do to reduce that cost.- Install a Programmable Thermostat Programmable thermostats are remarkably easy to install and can save you a significant amount of money on your water heating bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature of your water heater to match your usage. This means you can lower the temperature when you’re at home or on vacation, saving you a significant amount of energy.- Install a Programmable TimerIf you find yourself going out of the house for a couple hours each day, you can set your water heater to shut off during those times.- Don’t Run the Water until it’s ColdIf you’re in the middle of doing something and need a quick shower, don’t turn the hot water on right away. Let the water run cold for a few seconds before turning the hot water on so you don’t waste as much water.- Fix Leaky Faucets and Toilet SealsIf your faucets and toilet are leaking, it’s costing you a good amount of money each month. Fixing these issues can save you a significant amount of money on your water heating bills.- Change the Water Filter Whenever the water filter in your water supply runs out of life, change it.- Use the Right Amount of WaterYou might be inclined to fill up the bathtub with water, but you don’t need to do that. The amount of water you need is usually listed on the container of water you’re using.- Don’t Over-Use the WaterIf you’re washing a large load and have an older water heater, let the water run out before turning the hot water back on.- Use Cold Water Only for Household FunctionsIf you’re washing dishes or taking a shower, you can avoid wasting energy by only using cold water.- Change the Diverter Valve If you have a large family or pets that like to play in the water, you may have to shut off the water to the house in order to clean out the pipes.- Conclusion The water heater is one of the biggest energy users in your home. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce their energy consumption.- Gathering Data First and foremost, you need to know how much your water heater is costing you in terms of energy consumption. There are lots of apps out there that will track your water heater’s energy usage, so take advantage of them! Another great resource is your local energy provider. They can let you know exactly how much you’re spending on water and what you can do to reduce that cost.- Install a Programmable Thermostat Programmable thermostats are remarkably easy to install and can save you a significant amount of money on your water heating bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature of your water heater to match your usage. This means you can lower the temperature when you’re at home or on vacation, saving you a significant amount of energy.- Install a Programmable TimerIf you find yourself going out of the house for a couple hours each day, you can set your water heater to shut off during those times.- Don’t Run the Water until it’s ColdIf you’re in the middle of doing something and need a quick shower, don’t turn the hot water on right away. Let the water run cold for a few seconds before turning the hot water on so you don’t waste as much water.- Fix Leaky Faucets and Toilet Seals If your faucets and toilet are leaking, it’s costing you a good amount of money each month. Fixing these issues can save you a significant amount of money on your water heating bills.- Change the Water Filter Whenever the water filter in your water supply runs out of life, change it.- Use the Right Amount of Water You might be inclined to fill up the bathtub with water, but you don’t need to do that. The amount of water you need is usually listed on the container of water you’re using.- Don’t Over-Use the Water If you’re washing dishes or taking a shower, you can avoid wasting energy by only using cold water.- Change the Diverter Valve If you have a large family or pets that like to play in the water, you may have to shut off the water to the house in order to clean out the pipes.- Conclusion The water heater is one of the biggest energy users in your home. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce their energy consumption.- Gathering Data First and foremost, you need to know how much your water heater is costing you in terms of energy consumption. There are lots of apps out there that will track your water heater’s energy usage, so take advantage of them! Another great resource is your local energy provider. They can let you know exactly how much you’re spending on water and what you can do to reduce that cost.- Install a Programmable Thermostat Programmable thermostats are remarkably easy to install and can save you a significant amount of money on your water heating bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature of your water heater to match your usage. This means you can lower the temperature when you’re at home or on vacation, saving you a significant amount of energy.- Install a Programmable TimerIf you find yourself going out of the house for a couple hours each day, you can set your water heater to shut off during those times.- Don’t Run the Water until it’s ColdIf you’re in the middle of doing something and need a quick shower, don’t turn the hot water on right away. Let the water run cold for a few seconds before turning the hot water on so you don’t waste as much water.- Fix Leaky Faucets and Toilet Seals If your faucets and toilet are leaking, it’s costing you a good amount of money each month. Fixing these issues can save you a significant amount of money on your water heating bills.- Change the Water Filter Whenever the water filter in your water supply runs out of life, change it.- Use the Right Amount of Water You might be inclined to fill up the bathtub with water, but you don’t need to do that. The amount of water you need is usually listed on the container of water