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Reduce residential water heating energy use


Residential water heating uses 17% of US residential energy.

US residential energy use
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Residential water heating uses a surprisingly large proportion of US residential energy. It is relatively easy to reduce residential water heating costs significantly by increasing insulation levels, using less hot water, lowering the temperature of hot water, reducing the time spent heating the water each day, and by utilizing a solar water heater.

68% of residential water heating is accomplished by natural gas, 21% by electricity, and 8% by fuel oil.

US residential water heating energy sources
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Heating water by electricity is 2.5 times more expensive than using natural gas and much less efficient from a total energy efficiency perspective.

US residential energy costs 2007
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Half of residential water is used in the bathroom.

What can I do to reduce residential water heating energy use:

  •   Insulate hot water tank – an un-insulated or poorly insulated hot water tank wastes a very large amount of energy. If the area that has the hot water tank is really warm the insulation is probably poor. Additionally it is more energy efficient if the hot water tank is in a heated area.
  •   Reduce hot water use, especially when showering. Turn the water off when lathering with shampoo or soap. Cutting your shower time in half can reduce water heating costs by a third or 33%.
  •   Don’t let the hot faucet run unnecessarily, turn it off when lathering or when brushing your teeth.
  •   Fit a low flow shower head, this will reduce hot water use.
  •   Where possible use natural gas, LPG or propane to heat your water rather than electricity unless you are using an electrically powered solar water heater.
  •   Fit a programmable timer to electric and gas hot water heaters and reduce the time the water is being heated.
  •   Reduce water heater temperature setting, a temperature of 120°F is generally adequate, each 10 ° F reduction will reduce water heating costs by 3 - 5%. Most hot water is used in showers and baths. If much cold water has to be added to achieve a suitable temperature the hot water is overheated, this wastes energy. Very hot water is usually needed in small amounts only, use a kettle or pan to heat this.
  •   Turn off electric water heating, or with natural gas powered units set the temperature low, when you are away from home for a day or more.
  •   Insulate exposed hot water pipes, this also reduces the probability of frozen pipe bursts.
  •   If you have an electric water heater with a recirculation pump add a programmable timer to the pump to shut it off for most of the day.
  •   Use cold water with the garbage disposer.
  •   Ensure your natural gas water heater is properly maintained.
  •   Use full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer.
  •   Some manufactures make low temperature washing powder, use this with a low temperature washing cycle to save energy.
  •   Repair leaky faucets.
  •   Fit a solar water heater if you have a south facing roof.
These suggestions could reduce residential water heating costs by 50% or more.

If you find the information on this web site helpful please pass it on to friends and relatives.

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