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Reduce water heating costs
Water heating uses 23% of UK domestic energy,
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Water heating uses a surprisingly large proportion of UK domestic energy. It is relatively easy to
reduce water heating costs significantly by increasing insulation levels, using less hot water,
lowering the temperature of hot water, by reducing the time spent heating the water each day,
and by utilising a solar water heater.
What can I do to reduce water heating costs?
- Insulate hot water tank - an uninsulated or poorly insulated hot water tank wastes a large amount of
energy. If the area that has the hot water tank is really warm the insulation is probably poor.
- Reduce hot water use, especially when you shower - turn the water off when lathering with shampoo
or soap. Cutting your shower time in half can reduce water heating costs by 33%.
- Don't let the hot tap run unnecessarily, turn it off when lathering.
- Fit a low flow shower head, this will reduce the amount of water you use.
- Where possible use gas and a high efficiency condensing boiler to heat your water rather than
electricity unless you are using a solar water heater. Heating with gas is far more efficient,
from a global warming perspective, than heating with electricity.
- If your water is heated by a central heating system reduce the time the water is heated each day,
most savings will be achieved if the water is heated just once a day, in the early morning.
- Fit a programmable timer to electric immersion heaters.
- Reduce water heater temperature setting, a temperature of 50 °C is generally adequate, each 6 °C
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
saucepan to heat this.
- Turn off electric water heating, or with 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.
- Use cold water with the garbage disposer.
- Ensure your 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 taps.
- Fit a solar water heater if you have a south facing roof.
These suggestions could reduce water heating costs by 50% or more.
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