The best budget option if gas is not available or is expensive is a heat pump water heater, but there are considerations based on your climate for where they can be located to be efficient.
Temperature Is Too High
The most obvious reason for a high water heater gas bill is if the temperature is set too high. According to experts, most homeowners should keep water heater temperatures between 120 and 140 degrees F.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your water heater at 120 degrees—any higher than that increases the risk for scalding. Plus, for every 10-degree decrease in hot water temperature, you can save 3 to 5 percent on your water heating bill***.
The best temperature setting for a hot water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees. Below 120 degrees, bacteria can develop in the stagnant water sitting in the tank. Above 140 degrees, the water is so hot that you and your family members can be at risk for scalding in as little as two seconds.
An unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak or change in water use. Some common causes of high water bills include: A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed, most common. A dripping faucet; a faucet drip can waster 20 gallons or more of water a day.
It's easy to underestimate how much water you use daily, but small habits can add up. Factors contributing to high water usage may include: Long Showers: Spending extra minutes under a warm shower might be relaxing, but it can also substantially increase your water bill.
Making sure your water heater is always set to at least 120 degrees minimizes this risk, as the water should be hot enough to kill any bacteria. Even though most units will go up to 160 degrees, you really shouldn't ever set the temperature higher than 140 degrees in order to reduce the risk of scalding.
Turning your water heater off completely when it's not in use can help you save a small amount of money each month on your energy bills, but the hassle of manually turning your unit off and on typically outweighs the benefits.
Timers are most cost effective if you don't want to install a heat trap and insulate your water heater tank and pipes. Timers aren't as cost effective or useful on gas water heaters because of their pilot lights.
As you can see, it makes little sense to leave your water heater on all the time. Why pay for the energy required to warm the water while you are asleep, or while the family is out at work and school? Instead, use your timer so that you always have access to plenty of hot water when you need it most.
Typically, a hot water heater that uses a tank will run for 3 to 5 hours per day. So, a 4,000-watt heater used for 3 hours a day at 10¢ per kWh will cost $1.20 per day, about $36.50 per month, or $438 per year.
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.
The average water bill in the U.S. is $49 per month, with most bills falling between $40 and $60 per month. However, monthly water bills range from $15 to $100+, depending on the household size, water usage, and location. A typical family of 4 uses over 300 gallons of water per day.
Faulty fixtures or leaking connections and pipes can go unnoticed at the water heater because it is not an appliance you see every day. The leaks can become significant and result in an increase in the water usage bill and your energy usage bill.
According to most dermatologists, the ideal shower temperature is anywhere between 98°F (37°C) and 104°F (40°C)—and no more than 105 °F (41°C). Rinsing under lukewarm water allows you to stay comfortable and maintain your body temperature while reaping all the benefits of both hot and cold showers.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
So, what is the best temperature range for your water heater? The EPA recommends 120 degrees because it's hot enough to keep diseases at bay but not hot enough to cause scalding. This setting will also supply enough hot water for most small families and is relatively energy efficient.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water temperatures ranging from 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit(°F) can eliminate most of the harmful bacteria. However, be warned that these high temperatures can also increase the risk of scalding.