Most families in the United States use about 70 gallons of water per day. This includes washing up, bathing, and all appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, etc.). With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that about 20 percent of a home’s monthly energy bills are the result of hot water use.
There are a number of steps you can take to save some money and to save energy.
Put these ideas into action today:
If you reduce the amount of hot water you use, you’re sure to see the results in your energy bills. Here are a few statistics about hot water use and ideas for how to conserve.
Check your thermostat. While most will default to 130˚ F or even higher, 120˚ can usually meet most of your needs. If you need to check, look at the manufacturer recommendations for proper water temperature.
Most of your water’s heat is lost during transfer. This usually happens in the storage tank or first six feet of pipe, and insulating these areas makes a difference.
Propane water heaters are efficient, no matter what type you decide on. You’re guaranteed plenty of hot water – at a fair rate – whether you get a tankless model or a conventional tank model.
Tankless propane water heaters will cost more upfront, but you’ll save more in the long run. Continue on to learn more about these systems and how they work.
What does a water heater look like? Some say a big tin can. Really, though, this is the storage tank, as the part that heats the water is just a small burner. This unit is at the bottom of the tank. Along with some parts within the actual tank, that is really where the hot water heater is.
However, not all hot water heaters actually have to store hot water. Some work in an on-demand capacity, heating water as needed, and accessing it directly from a water pipe. These are tankless water heaters. They’re generally propane fueled and offer a strong alternative to homeowners looking to lower their bills. (Not to mention that they make the process of heating water much more efficient.)
Additionally, they take up such a small space that you will actually be able to reclaim all that square footage your old water heater was taking up. Most tankless units hang on a wall and are about the size of a small suitcase and, maybe best of all, they will last about twice as long as a standard storage tank water heater.
Old tanks heat and store water for use as needed, however, they are likely to lose heat over time, particularly if they are kept in an unheated space.
On the flip side, a tankless hot water heater allows water to circulate through a heat exchanger and be delivered as needed when you turn on your hot water. This will increase energy efficiency up to 40 percent, and allows for unlimited access to hot water. Gone are the days of worrying about your tank draining and the need to refill and reheat.
If you’re thinking about replacing your water heater, you might wonder if a propane tankless heater makes the most sense. It’s important to figure this out before your current water heater meets its inevitable demise, and there are so many ways you can benefit from a high-efficiency propane water heater. Reach out to your local propane provider today for expert advice.
You can also fill out this brief questionnaire to find out which type of water heater may be best for your Iowa home.
