Want to save money on your energy bill? Home water heating accounts for about 18% of your total energy bill.
Hot showers, clean dishes and clean clothes are just some of the benefits of hot water in the home. However, this luxury can be quite costly, accounting for around 18% of a typical utility bill. For more peace of mind and to cover boilers from potential breakdown, it is recommended to get a boiler cover.
Boilers are a critical part of any facility’s heating and cooling system. However, if they aren’t maintained properly, they can cause high energy costs and other issues. To avoid this risk, you should establish standard procedures for maintaining boilers.
Hot water is a much-needed commodity in our daily lives, and these facts suggest that we should reassess our usage and maintenance habits. That leaky faucet may seem inconsequential, but it can lead to gallons of wasted water – and put a substantial “drain” on your monthly bill.
To maximise your boiler efficiency, consider the following Boiler safety tips:
Insulate tanks to conserve energy
Insulating your storage tank helps prevent heat loss and reduces the frequency with which the unit must turn on. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, including not covering the thermostat, burner, or top and bottom. Call a plumber for assistance in insulating your hot water tank.
Reduce the thermostat
Many homeowners do not realise that water heaters are generally set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Although many manufacturers recommend this temperature, most typical households are comfortable with 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Try taking a shower after adjusting; you will probably not notice much temperature difference. This small decrease can save you money and reduce scalding, slowing mineral buildup and corrosion in your heater and pipes.
Install Heat Traps
A heat trap is a pipe that fits over the tank’s outlet and prevents heated water from exiting the unit. Most new water heaters come with this equipment, usually installed at the factory. But if your heater is more than 10 years old, installing a heat trap will extend its life.
Fixing Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet can waste water and money in a very short period. If you notice a drop in the water pressure or that your faucet is emitting more water than usual, immediately turn off the hot and cold water supplies to that faucet and have it repaired. Did you know that 10% of homes have plumbing leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water per day?
Coldwater is the best choice
While it may seem like common sense, using cold water for most laundry loads and basic grooming (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.) will help cut down your utility bill. Cold water is also good for your health and well-being.
Install a timer to regulate water flow
Running a water heater for longer hours can waste electricity; you can install a timer to save energy and extend the unit’s lifespan.
Drain the water tank
Draining the tank of your water heater can help remove sediment that can impede heat transfer and ultimately lower the unit’s efficiency. To perform this task, follow the manufacturer’s directions, and if in doubt, call a professional to help with water heater maintenance.
Insulate pipes to prevent heat loss
Insulating the water tank and the first six feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to it prevents fire hazards and conserves heat so that your system does not have to work as hard to reheat it.
Replace Ageing Appliances
With advancements in energy-efficient appliances and new designs and technologies available, consumers should consider replacing a 10-year-old dishwasher or washing machine with a new model that uses less water and is more efficient.
Buy a new water heater
It is advisable to replace your water heater every 10 years. An older unit can be less energy-efficient, and a malfunctioning heater can lead to costly repairs.
When should a Water Heater be replaced?
If you are thinking about replacing your water heater, consider tankless units. They can save you money over their lifespan because they only heat water when you need it.
There are several types of water heaters, including storage, tankless, heat pump, solar and tankless coil & indirect. When a water heater fails, it can leave you in a lurch. Do your research early to find one that best fits your needs. Many people use water heaters that are 10 years old.
When choosing a new water heater, understand the fuel types available and calculate their costs to determine which will save you money in the long run. When selecting a water heater, consider efficiency, cost and size.
Periodic maintenance of water heaters can extend their operating life and minimise efficiency losses. Storage water heaters should have a minimum of one quart of water flushed from the tank every three months and should be checked for temperature and pressure once every six months.
Replace the anode rods every three to five years to increase the lifespan of your storage water heater. So a good way to prevent all these damages is to take good care of the heaters and on the other hand to buy kitchen appliance insurance.
