How to Slash Your Hot Water Costs
How to Slash Your Hot Water Costs
Did you know that about 25% of your energy bill goes to heating water? If you’ve never thought about it before, it might surprise you how much hot water you use in your house.
With machines like dishwashers and washing machines for clothes, we don’t see how much water we use cumulatively. In fact, the only spot where we might get an idea of how much hot water we’re using is when we’re in the shower. But of course, how many people are concentrating on their water usage while they’re enjoying a relaxing shower?
With hot water costs making up such a large chunk of your overall energy bill, you can enjoy significant savings if you can slash those expenses. Check out a few tips for slashing hot water costs here.
1. Fix Leaks
This should always be a priority on your to-do list. As soon as you notice that your pipes have sprung a leak, you need to get it fixed. You can either do it yourself or call in a professional, depending on your experience and the severity of the leak.
The main thing is not to ignore the leak because it literally represents money going down the drain.
For those of you who think a tiny leak isn’t a big deal. Check out the fact that a leak dripping at a moderate rate of one drop per second will waste a whopping 24,000 litres per year equal to enough water for 343 showers!
2. Do Laundry with Cold Water
Do you wash all your clothes in hot water? You should learn when it is actually helpful to wash clothes in hot water and when cold water is better. Switching to cold water wash as much as possible will save you a bundle on hot water costs for laundry.
Additionally, hot water can make colours bleed by opening up the fibres, so if you’re having trouble with this, try switching to cold water. Some people worry that their clothes won’t get clean as well, but modern detergents are much better at washing clothes in cold water than they were a few decades ago.
3. Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Hot water sometimes has to make quite a journey to get from your hot water tank to the bathroom faucet. With every meter the water travels, more heat is being lost. Preserve that heat by insulating any exposed hot water pipes with closed-cell rubber insulation.
4. Choose a New Hot Water System
Hot water systems tend to last only about 12 years on average. If your system seems to be nearing the end of its lifespan, this is a good time to check into a newer, more efficient system.
The cost of installation will be an upfront setback, but over time you will enjoy savings on your utility bills. Plus, you can feel good knowing that you’re doing your part to reduce your impact on the planet and help to save it.
Slashing Hot Water Costs One Drip at a Time
Every drop of water is precious. Hot water is especially so because of the energy needed to heat it. Don’t let your consumption of hot water get away from you. Carefully check your energy bill, follow these tips to bring the price down, and always keep an eye out for leaks or other problems.
