Yes, turning off a water heater saves money, but only if you are away for several days. For day-to-day use, it does not save money and may even cost you more.
Yes, turning off your water heater saves money, but the savings depend heavily on how long the unit remains off.
If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it. You might need to turn on your heating earlier if your home takes longer to reach a comfortable temperature.
Shut Off The Water Heater
If you have a gas water heater, you can turn the heater off at the source and shut off the gas valve. If you have an electric heater, it can be turned off at the breaker. Once off, you can open the valve or spigot on the water heater to drain the water into a pail or bucket.
Yes, it is perfectly safe to turn off your hot water heater for a week. However, to prevent bacterial growth like Legionella and avoid damaging the system, do not drain the tank.
Potential Risks of Leaving It On
Leaving your water heater on during a winter vacation can pose several risks, including leaks and unnecessary energy consumption. Water heaters, especially older models, can develop leaks over time, which may go unnoticed if you're away. This can lead to water damage and costly repairs.
A 10-minute shower typically uses 12 to 25 gallons (45 to 95 liters) of hot water. The exact amount depends on your showerhead's flow rate and the temperature you prefer (as hot water is mixed with cold):
To prevent catastrophic leaks while you are away, turn off your home's main water supply valve, open a high faucet to relieve pressure, and turn off your water heater. This simple routine takes just a few minutes and protects your home from severe water damage.
Without water flowing through the system, the heater risks overheating, leading to repairs water issues, melted parts, or even damage to your tank. Whether you own a gas water heater, an electric water heater, or a tankless water heater, the risks are real.
No, you should not drain your water heater for a standard vacation. Draining and refilling the tank is a major hassle and carries risks—like accidentally dry-firing electric elements. Instead, for optimal safety and efficiency, leave the tank full and turn it to its "Vacation" setting (or 120∘𝐹).
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
Inadequate or inconsistent insulation, like air leaks, can create hot and cold spots throughout your house. If you've ever seen any of your home's insulation, it's probably what resides in your attic or crawl space.
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, insulate accessible hot water lines, and purchase an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher and clothes washer.
If left completely unused, a well-insulated, standard tank water heater will keep water hot for 12 to 24 hours after being turned off, and it will remain comfortably warm for up to 2 days.
Lowering your heat instead of turning it off saves energy, protects your home, and avoids costly damage. Experts recommend setting your thermostat back to balance efficiency, safety, and comfort. Turning off your heat completely can lead to frozen pipes, mold growth, and strain on your heating system.
2. Do I need to turn off my water heater when I leave? Yes. Either drain it or set it to “vacation mode” to prevent issues while you're gone.
If a standard showerhead is fitted, it will use around an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
"If you've never flushed your water heater, it's likely that minerals and sediment have built up inside the tank. Over time, that buildup reduces the efficiency of the water heater and shortens its lifespan," Shimek says.
Yes, turning off your water heater saves money, but the savings depend heavily on how long the unit remains off.
Only heat the hot water twice a day
Try heating the water for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. Start the water heating about an hour before you need it. For example, if you shower at 08:30, start heating the water at 07:30. If you wash up in the evening at 19:30, then start the water heating at 18:30.
To safely turn off a water heater, you must kill the heat source first to prevent the tank from overheating or exploding.
If you have an electric water heater, it is recommended that you shut off the power and the cold water supply to the water heater if you are going away for any length of time. You will save electricity and limit any damage in case the tank leaks.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
Shutting off the water supply does not immediately affect the water heater, but you must turn off the water heater's power source (breaker or gas valve). If the tank empties and continues to heat, the elements will burn out, potentially causing a fire or damaging the unit.