How to reduce water heater bill?

Author: Jana Kautzer  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

8 ways to lower your water heating costs
  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.

How do I lower my water heating 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.

How to reduce the cost of a water heater?

Tips to Save on Water Heating Costs
  1. Water heating is one of your home's top energy expenses, accounting for about 14 percent of your utility bill. ...
  2. Use Less Hot Water. ...
  3. Turn Down the Thermostat on Your Water Heater.
  4. Insulate Your Water Heater.
  5. Buy a New, More Efficient Water Heater.

How to save electricity from a water heater?

How 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.

What is the most economical way to heat hot water?

It's generally much cheaper to heat water using your central heating system, rather than using electricity with an immersion. The exception might be during the summer, when you have your central heating turned off, or if you have an old inefficient boiler.

How to REDUCE Your Hot Water Energy Bill

How can I reduce my hot water usage?

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.

What is the cheapest method to heat water?

Electric water heaters generally have lower running costs and lower emissions than gas water heaters. Hot water heat pumps are the most efficient option, requiring significantly less electricity to run than traditional electric water heater systems. Hot water cylinders can be installed inside or outside the home.

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.

What is the best temperature to set a water heater?

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.

Does turning down the hot water heater save money?

Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on reducing standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding area). Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses.

Why are water heaters so expensive now?

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.

What percentage of the electric bill is a water heater?

Water heating accounts for about 18% of your home's energy use and is the typically the second largest energy expense in any home. You can reduce your water heating bills in four primary ways: Using less hot water. Using energy-saving strategies, such as turning down the thermostat on your water heater.

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.

Why is my water bill $300?

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.

How can I save money on my hot water system?

Ways to reduce hot water costs
  1. Install a low-flow shower head. Most hot water is used in the shower. ...
  2. Take shorter showers. The shorter the shower, the less hot water you will use. ...
  3. Wash your clothes in cold water. ...
  4. Fix dripping hot water taps.
  5. Insulate exposed hot water pipes. ...
  6. Have your hot water system serviced regularly.

What device lowers water bill?

The Water Scrooge™ VALVE compresses air, eliminating its volume before it reaches the water meter—the meter no longer measures it! You pay less for the same water usage! The Water Scrooge™ Valve is EXTERNALLY ADJUSTABLE for maximum performance EVERY TIME!

How to make a hot water heater more efficient?

12 Ways to Make a Water Heater More Efficient
  1. Lower the Temperature. ...
  2. Insulate the Tank. ...
  3. Use Low-Flow Fixtures. ...
  4. Regularly Flush Sediment. ...
  5. Use Cold Water for Laundry. ...
  6. Install a Timer. ...
  7. Insulate Hot Water Pipes. ...
  8. Repair Leaks.

Is 140 too high for a water heater?

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.

How often should I flush my water heater?

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.

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.

Do water heaters use a lot of electric?

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.

How do I know if my water heater is high efficiency?

The main rating you want to look for is the UEF rating. This stands for Uniform Energy Factor, and it calculates how much energy the water heater wastes. Higher UEF water heater efficiency ratings are always better. Generally, anything under 0.65 is a low-efficiency heater.

How can I heat water cheaply?

Use your existing solar panels

If you have an existing hot water cylinder with an electric immersion heater, however, then you can divert any excess energy your panels produce into heating your hot water using what's known as a solar immersion heater.

How much does a hot water heater cost per month?

Gas water heaters are generally less expensive to operate than electric water heaters. Based on national averages, electric water heaters cost $42 a month. Gas water heaters average $30. Of course, your water usage habits and water heater setting also affect monthly energy costs.

What is the most expensive heating method?

Though common, oil systems are one of the most expensive ways to heat a home.

Previous article
Will OxiClean get grease out of clothes?
Next article
What to do when your house is really dirty?