Turn Down the Thermostat on Your Water Heater Many heaters are set to 140 degrees F or higher. For most households, 115-120 degrees F is sufficient. For each 10-degree reduction, you can save up to five percent on your water
Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses. Additional savings will be realized by the lower temperature for consumption (from water demand or use in your home, such as clothes washing, showers, and dishwashing). These may amount to more than $400.
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.
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.
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.
Newer models require specialized tools and training to install, and the associated labor costs can add up quickly, making the total cost of the water heater higher than you expected. Be sure to ask about installation costs and if it includes special fees like additional pipes, wiring, or permits.
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.
Months of the Year. January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December.
On average, natural gas heating costs around $540 per year, while electric heating ranges from $900 to $2,500 annually, depending on the type of system and electricity rates. In most regions, natural gas proves to be the more cost-effective option for heating, but this can vary based on local energy prices and climate.
Negotiating with utility providers requires a proactive approach. Contact your provider and express your interest in discussing your current plan or exploring available options. Be polite, patient, and persistent throughout the process.
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.
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 ...
Leaks, whether unseen or unfixed, can waste hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water. It is important to routinely check your plumbing and home for leaky faucets, toilets, and outside taps and irrigation lines. The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet.
In 2024, West Virginia was the most expensive U.S. state regarding water rates, with an average monthly bill of almost 100 U.S. dollars. On the contrary, the state with the lowest average water bill during the same period was Vermont and Wisconsin.
How to calculate water bill. To calculate a water bill, multiply the total gallons of water used by the price of the water per unit of gallon. Gallons are the most used unit of measure for water in the US while liters are used in Europe and much of the rest of the world.
It is generally accepted that it costs about 1¢ to 2¢ to heat a gallon of water. The exact amount will depend on the efficiency of your water heater, whether you use gas or electric and exactly what your electric or gas costs are.
Water heaters manufactured to the new standards will require more material in insulation and in some cases, heat pumps as part of the unit. In addition to higher unit prices, they will require more effort to install. The larger units will require bigger delivery trucks, and more manpower to move and install.
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.