Hot Tips
Stop water heating waste and save with these hot energy solutions.
Lower your water heater temperature to 120° to 125° in 3 easy steps:
- Shut off the electricity to the water heater from the circuit breaker for safety reasons.
- Remove cover panels and use a screwdriver to push aside the insulation.
- Adjust the control dial to 120° to 125° F. That's hot enough for showers, clothes and dishes and better for slowing mineral buildup and corrosion, so the heater lasts longer.
Turn off your water heater. Leaving for a weekend trip or longer? Turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker. (Switching off and on daily is not recommended).
Insulate older water heaters tanks (installed before 2004) to keep heat from escaping and save about 5% in water heating costs.
Buy inexpensive, ready-made insulating jackets (about $20 or less) to cut heat loss by 25% to 45%.
Repair leaks and leaky faucets immediately. Hot water leaks can increase energy use by 200%!
- Low-flow shower and faucet heads reduce hot water use by by 50%.
- Shorter showers can save significant dollars. You save $38-$57, depending on which island you live on, for every minute deducted from your hot shower. Plus, you save on your water bill, too.
- Full dishwashers use 37% less hot water than washing the same amount of dirty dishes by hand. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
