How can I save energy on my electric water heater?

Author: Prof. Carrie Runolfsson Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Below are several money-saving water heating tips (many supported by energy.gov) that will definitely help lower those large water heating bill.
  1. LOWER THE THERMOSTAT. ...
  2. INSULATE TANK. ...
  3. INSTALL HEAT TRAPS. ...
  4. USE COLD WATER. ...
  5. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCETS. ...
  6. DRAIN THE TANK. ...
  7. INSTALL A TIMER. ...
  8. INSULATE PIPES.

How to save money on an electric hot water heater?

7 Ways to Make Your Hot Water Heater More Energy Efficient
  1. Turn Down Your Thermostat. ...
  2. Invest in a Tankless Water Heater. ...
  3. Make Sure You're Using the Right-Sized Water Heater. ...
  4. Keep an Eye on Your Tank's Sediment. ...
  5. Insulate Your Water Tank and Pipes. ...
  6. Install in a Volt Timer. ...
  7. Use Less Hot Water.

How can I reduce the cost of my electric water heater?

8 Ways to Reduce Water Heating Costs at Home
  1. Take faster showers. ...
  2. Run only full loads of dishes and laundry. ...
  3. Turn off water heater when vacationing. ...
  4. Lower your water heater's thermostat. ...
  5. Insulate your water heater. ...
  6. Insulate your pipes. ...
  7. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads. ...
  8. Use water-efficient appliances.

Is it cheaper to leave an electric water heater on all the time?

It is cheaper to only put it on when needed. The reason for this is that the amount of electricity required to heat the water depends on how quickly the heat leaves the tank. Some will leave whenever you use the water, but some also leaves by getting out through the insulation.

Why is my hot water heater using so much electricity?

It is certainly possible for a water heater to increase your utility bill. Several factors can reduce the efficiency, including a unit that is too small, too old, bad water, or an incorrectly set thermostat can increase the energy bill. Leaks and long pipes can increase your water usage.

How to Save Energy with Your Electric Water Heater

How do I adjust my water heater to save electricity?

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
  1. 1) Find the current temperature. Measure the beginning temperature of your hot water using a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater. ...
  2. 2) Mark the setting, then turn down the thermostat. ...
  3. 3) Measure and adjust. ...
  4. 4) Mark the new temperature. ...
  5. 5) Turn down or off when away.

How to tell if a hot water heater is causing a high electric bill?

In terms of your water heater, how quickly it heats water determines the overall energy efficiency of your unit. If your heater is taking too long to warm up the water for use throughout your home, it can send your electricity bill skyrocketing.

How much will my electric bill go up with an electric water heater?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 18% of your electricity costs are directly tied to your water heating system. If you've noticed a rise in your recent electric bills, don't start taking cold showers just yet.

What setting should I put my water heater on?

Water Heater Temperature Recommendations

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting.

Is it cheaper to have hot water on constant or timed?

Although it takes longer and requires more fuel to heat cold water, the energy required to maintain this constant temperature is much more expensive than the few times it is heated when necessary on occasion, due to its non-use, this water is also wasted, as a result, running a boiler continuously consumes more fuel ...

How can I make my electric heater cheaper?

Heating saving tips
  1. Retain heat thanks to good insulation of doors and windows. ...
  2. Replace your radiators, towel rails and floor heating with energy-saving ones. ...
  3. Use a thermostat to increase monthly savings. ...
  4. Saving by maintaining the right temperature. ...
  5. Program your heating systems from your smartphone.

How to lower a water heater bill?

15 Ways to Save on Your Water Heating Bill
  1. Take short showers instead of baths. ...
  2. Reduce your time in the shower. ...
  3. Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120°F; for every 10ºF reduction in temperature, you can save from 3%–5% on your water heating costs. ...
  4. Don't let the water run.

What is the best temperature for a hot water heater to save money?

Turn down the temp.

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***.

Should I turn my electric water heater off at night?

For poorly insulated units, the heat loss can be fairly significant. Of course, losing heat in this way leads to more energy consumption and increased heating bills. Some estimates state that turning your water heater off at night could save you up to 10% on your monthly energy bills.

What is the downside of an electric water heater?

Electric Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

Electric water heaters confer multiple benefits over gas units, including ease of installation, higher efficiency levels and safer operation. On the flip side, they have their own unique challenges, like slower heating and vulnerability during power outages.

Can hot water heater cause high water bill?

If you have a leaking water heater, your water bill will increase. Most people don't think to check their water heater when they discover their water usage has been increasing month-over-month.

What temperature should I set my water heater electric?

Anything between 120 and 140 degrees is within the safe range, which means it really all comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you have younger children in the house, you are always better to have your water heater set to 120 degrees to prevent scalding.

What does a and b mean on a water heater?

Understanding these settings can help when figuring out how to adjust the temp on water heater units. A typically represents around 130°F. B usually corresponds to 140°F. C indicates a temperature of about 150°F or higher.

Is 130 too hot for a water heater?

The maximum Department of Energy recommended water heater temperature setting you should never exceed is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recommended setting should never be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

How can I save money on my electric water heater?

Below are several money-saving water heating tips (many supported by energy.gov) that will definitely help lower those large water heating bill.
  1. LOWER THE THERMOSTAT. ...
  2. INSULATE TANK. ...
  3. INSTALL HEAT TRAPS. ...
  4. USE COLD WATER. ...
  5. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCETS. ...
  6. DRAIN THE TANK. ...
  7. INSTALL A TIMER. ...
  8. INSULATE PIPES.

Do electric hot water heaters use a lot of electricity?

Kilowatts measure the rate at which electricity moves through an appliance. More kilowatts mean more electricity, and bigger water heaters will typically use more watts. The average water heater runs at around 1125 watts, though some more powerful water heaters can use up to 4000 watts.

What uses the most electricity in a home?

Heating and cooling: 45-50%

The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.

How much is the average electric bill for a water heater?

According to the Department of Energy, the average American household spends between $400 and $600 each year on water heating alone. This cost will vary depending on the electricity rates in your area and your water heating unit's efficiency.

What is the life expectancy of an electric hot water heater?

While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Does a running toilet increase your electric bill?

An increased utility bill is often caused by a change in water usage or a leak. Some common causes of increased utility usage include: A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed.

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