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 Hot Water Because heating water can account for up to 25% of your energy bill, it's important to make sure your water heater and your use of hot water are as efficient as possible. A conventional hot water heater heats and stores water in a 40-100 gallon insulated tank. As the water is stored, it gives off heat to the surrounding air (called standby loss). You can reduce standby loss by wrapping hot water pipes with insulation wherever possible. Installing a low-cost water heater insulation blanket also lowers standby losses. It also pays to fix leaking faucets since a dripping hot water faucet can leak up to 200 gallons of water per year. How you use hot water can greatly influence energy efficiency. You'll save energy and money by: • Shutting off the faucet when shaving or doing dishes. • Taking a shower instead of a bath. • Doing full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer. • Using cold water in the garbage disposal. Replacing a water heater If your water heater is old or shows signs of leakage, replacing it should give increased efficiency and reliability. Water heating energy efficiency is rated according to Energy Factor (EF); a higher EF number translates to higher energy efficiency. However, to determine whether a higher EF rating will result in reduced energy costs, you'll need to calculate the annual operating costs, and then compare that with the purchase price to figure out the rate of energy savings payback over time. Learn more about installing a hot water insulation blanket How to determine water heater annual operating cost Choosing a water heater Other ways to lower your energy bill
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