Energy Saving Tips | Plumber Fort Worth
The cost of providing hot water accounts for the second largest consumer of energy in your home, following heating and air conditioning. For many homeowners, the colder outdoor temperatures means colder water that the water heater works extra hard to heat during the winter. A water heater receiving routine maintenance by a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Fort Worth provides greater reliability, and performance. The following energy saving tips can assist you in saving energy on the cost of hot water:
Reducing Standing Heat Losses
Most homes have a conventional water heater with a tank. Conventional water heaters are less efficient than a tankless water heater because hot water is constantly stored in a tank for use when needed. If the water is not used right away, it is heated repeatedly until used, when the process of heating and storing repeats itself. This process is called standby heat loss. If your water heater is an older model, and is not insulated internally from the factory, consider a water heater-insulating jacket.
Just as insulating helps to keep heat in your home, water heater insulation helps to maintain water temperature by reducing standby heat loss. It is especially essential to insulate water heaters located in unheated locations of the home, such as a basement or the attic. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the insulation sleeve. If you are not sure if your water heater can be insulated, consider contacting a plumber in Fort Worth.
Water heaters manufactured after April 16, 2015 are required to have 2 inches of insulation by new federal regulations. Prior to this date, the manufacturer determined whether to insulate or not, and many were. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide the installation you need.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes to Reduce Heat Loss
As hot water travels through pipe, it can lose some of its heat, especially in long pipe runs. However, by insulating accessible pipes in your home, you can reduce the amount of heat that is lost on its way to an opened tap. In turn, this reduces the amount of hot water required for a comfortable shower, and reduces the work on the water heater. Presplit foam pipe sleeves are easy and cheap to install on accessible pipes.
Water Heater Maintenance
A routinely serviced water heater will run more efficiently, and spend less energy heating water than a neglected appliance. Water heater maintenance includes the flushing of hard water sediment from the tank, which reduces performance, energy efficiency, and the lifespan of the appliance. If your water heater is 10 years old or older, consider the contacting a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for the installation of a newer one that will use less energy.
Water Heater Repair
By providing timely water heater repair in Fort Worth when problems first occur, you can potentially prevent larger issues from occurring. If your water heater has signs of a problem, contact a qualified plumber in Fort Worth today.
Keep the Temperature Low
The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat on the water heater to 120 degrees F. This temperature provides a balance of saving energy, providing a comfortable temperature, and preventing scalding.
Take Shorter Showers
While it is tempting to take long, piping hot showers on cold mornings, shorter showers will reduce your cost of providing hot water.
Install Low Flow Showerheads
Installing low flow WaterSense showerheads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use by 25% to 50%. In addition, you will save on the water bill.
Dishwasher Use
Skip the prewash cycle, and use the economy setting on the dishwasher.
Hand Washing Dishes
If you hand wash dishes, use less hot water in the wash sink, and do not allow water to run in the rinse sink. Wash a sink full and then rinse.
Get Leaks Fixed
Contacting a plumber in Fort Worth to repair leaks will not only save water, but energy when hot water leaks are involved. Furthermore, leaks can result in severe damage to your home and its foundation, prompt repair is essential in preventing additional damage. Our licensed plumbers provide the expertise for plumbing you can rely on.
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