Water Heater Repair Fort Worth

Water Heaters| Tips for Saving Money

According to the Department of Energy your hot water heater can account for as much as 25% of your homes energy usage. In the following we will look at the steps you can take to reduce those energy costs

#1: Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating blanket, especially if it is located in an unheated space. A fiberglass water heater insulating blanket can reduce heat loss by 25% to 40% and save as much as 9% on the average water heater bill.

Blankets are inexpensive and easy to install ($20 to $30). Ensure that you do not to block the thermostat on an electric model, or the air inlet or exhaust on a gas model hot water heater!

Many newer units are manufactured with interior insulating foam, making a blanket unnecessary, even hazardous. Check with your unit’s manufacturer if you are not sure if it is insulated from the factory.

#2: Insulate Exposed Hot Water Pipes. Like a tank blanket, insulating hot water pipes reduces standby losses. This allows water to arrive at the tap two to four degrees warmer. This saves water, energy and money. Six foot long insulating pipe sleeves easily slip over pipe and are easy to trim if necessary.

#3 Install Low-flow fixtures. Install low-flow shower fixtures, and faucet aerators to cut hot water consumption by up to 60%. Save even more money by using the economy setting on your dishwasher, and wash laundry in cold water.

#4 Reset your hot water heater’s temperature. Generally, the factory set temperature on a hot water heater is higher than is necessary. You save 3% to 5 % on your energy bill for every 10 degrees you reduce the hot water heater temperature. Set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 120 degrees can allow bacterial growth to occur in the water heater so don’t go below.

#5 Drain the tank at least annually to remove sediment. On an electric water heater turn off the power and water, or, if your unit is gas turn the thermostat to ‘pilot’. Connect a garden hose to the faucet at the base of the tank and place the end of the hose at your floors drain, out a window or door. Be certain your hose is long enough before you open the faucet allowing water to drain, and ensure the hot water will not fall on people, pets, plants, electrical outlets or any other items.

Most manufacturers recommend draining the tank once or twice a year. You need only drain just one quart every three months to prevent sediment build up in your tank once it has been completely flushed the first time. Sediment will adversely affect your tanks ability to produce hot water, and cause significant rises in your energy bill.
Even if your tank is a self-stir model, most manufacturers still recommend draining sediment from the tank. For tanks that aren’t self-stir models your plumber can usually install a retrofit to your tank to reduce sediment build up.

#6 Repair leaks. A leaking hot water heater requires repair. If the pressure relief valve is hot, it is likely to be leaking water, generally to the outside or under the house. A leaking pressure relief valve will require replacement to prevent elevated energy use and potential damage to your home.

If unexplained water is in the pan or floor under the water heater call a plumber for immediate repair or replacement. Water leaking onto your floor can lead to extensive damage to floors and walls as well as cause mold.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing-Fort Worth’s reliable plumber’s for water heater repair in Fort Worth and the surrounding regions.