How To Use The Water Heater In The Most Eco-Friendly Way

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating water contributes to about 14-25% of the energy consumed in an average American household. So in this age of increased environmental awareness, it is only imperative that householders would look for ways to use the water heater more efficiently. So how can you be eco-friendly and yet not compromise on your comfort? Here are some nifty tips.

Select the most appropriately-sized water heater for your needs.

Stores all over the country witness a mad rush to buy water heaters just after the nip in the air is felt. If you are one of those in the crowd, then stop and think a while. Do you know what size should you buy? Consult a professional in this regard to help you determine the size of the appliance you should buy to provide for the entire household and also maximize energy efficiency.

It is indeed a wise idea to go in for Energy STAR-rated appliances. These are designed and certified to make the most optimum use of energy; you will notice the pleasant difference in the electricity bills.

Install energy-efficient appliances.

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually countless easy ways in which you can reduce the amount of hot water you need to go through your daily chores. For instance, consider investing in water-efficient low-flow plumbing fixtures like showerheads and faucets. It won't be difficult to find such models since federal regulations have made it mandatory that manufacturers produce showerheads that cannot use more than 2.5 gallons every minute (gpm) when the pressure is 80 pounds per square inch (psi). As per their rules, the new makes of faucets cannot have flow rates exceeding 2.5 gpm at 80 psi.

You can also go in for energy-efficient makes of those appliances that find use for heated water. So to ease the burden on your water heater, consider buying energy-efficient clothes and dish washing machines. In fact, householders will find it useful to know that dishwashers with booster heaters and front-loading washing machines are known to be effective energy-savers. They in turn, reduce your consumption volumes.

Use the water heater smartly.

You can bring the maximum energy-efficiency by using your water heater smartly. Here are some easy-to-follow tips:
* Adjust the thermostat to a lower temperature and for every drop of 10 degrees F, you can save up to 3-5% on the energy costs. In fact, research has shown that a temperature of 120-deggree F suffices for most households.

* If you have an electric water heating appliance in your house, install a timer. This will ensure that you conserve on the use of the heater at night or during peak demand times.

* Consult your utilities provider and ask if they charge on the basis of "time of use." Such demand management programs sometimes even offer incentives or discounts to householders who install control mechanisms on their heaters that switch off the device when demands are high.

* Always keep the heater in top-notch working condition to ensure that you achieve the most energy-efficiency.

There are more than one ways to be eco-friendly as you use the water heater. Lancing homeowners would advise that you consult a professional for installation, repair and maintenance services and also for valuable advice.

AAC Southern Ltd provides best deals for various electrical appliances along with water heater repairs and services. For more information on water heater Lancing and air con Lancing, log on to website Aacsouthern.co.uk.