Is it worth turning off the water heater?

Author: Brandyn Wuckert  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

Many homeowners ask us if they should turn off their water heater between uses to save money. Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? No, unless you're going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn't turn off your water heater.

Is it a good idea to turn off a water heater?

No, you do not need to turn off the water heater if you shut off the water to the house. However, doing so is a good practice and highly recommended because it eliminates the possibility of damage caused by having the heat turned on when the water heater is empty or low on water.

Will turning off a hot water heater save money?

Why turn off your water heater? Turning off your water heater, like many other electrical appliances, can save you money each month on your bill. A small amount of heat escapes when the water heater is turned on, even though it's well insulated. Typically, this loss of energy is about 10 percent of your bill.

Is it cheaper to turn a water heater on and off?

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.

Do water heaters need to be turned off?

It's generally best to avoid turning your water heater off too regularly. Some homeowners try to save money by switching off their water heaters when they don't need them, but the savings are unlikely to be significant enough to justify the additional wear and tear on your machine.

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What happens if I leave my water heater off?

Turning your water heater off while on vacation could mean you'll come home to problems. The most obvious issue is that you won't have any hot water. It could take up to an hour for any hot water to be available for those post-travel showers, and this is only if you're able to turn your water heater back on.

Should my water heater always be on?

In most instances, the answer to our last question is no. If your water heater is constantly running, there is probably a problem.

Will shutting off water damage water heater?

Else, if you have a full water tank, and you need to turn off the water for an issue unrelated to your water heater, then it really doesn't matter if you turn the water heater on or off.

Is it better to leave the water heater on all day?

- For a storage water heater, it is sufficient to switch it on for 10-30 minutes before showering. - Leaving a storage water heater switched on for the entire day may cost you an additional $124 a year*.

Can a water heater make your bill go up?

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 shortens the life of a water heater?

Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.

Does turning off heater save money?

However, if no one is home for a long stretch of time – like a typical 8-hour workday – you should turn the heat off, or set it to a low temperature, to save money, experts advise. The idea that it costs more to heat your home back up after the temperature drops isn't true, says the Department of Energy (DOE).

How to save electricity on a hot water heater?

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. Learn more about lowering your water heating temperature. Don't let the water run.

Does turning off the hot water heater save money?

Here's the catch: Modern water heaters are well-insulated meaning there is very little heat loss. Although electrical rates vary, the experts say turning off the water heater at night will likely save about two dollars a month.

Is it OK to turn off power of hot water heater?

Generally, it's best to keep your water tank full and heated throughout the year. You can turn off your water heater when it is done safely, but only do this when you have a problem or if the tank won't be heated anytime soon. Turning off your water heater to save on energy bills is not usually recommended.

Should I leave faucets open after shutting off water?

Pipes: Turn off water supply to the house and drain pipes to protect them from freezing. You can empty pipes by running the water and flushing the toilets after the water has been turned off. After draining the pipes, it is a good idea to leave the faucets open to prevent pressure build up from any water that remains.

Should I turn off my water heater when not in use?

Many homeowners ask us if they should turn off their water heater between uses to save money. Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? No, unless you're going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn't turn off your water heater.

What happens if you forgot to turn off the water heater?

The very obvious effect is it will lead to higher electricity bills and greater energy usage. The water heater continuously utilises electricity to heat the water even when it is not needed because geysers are designed to supply hot water on demand.

Should you turn your hot water off?

Instead of turning it off completely, you should set your water heater to a lower temperature than usual while you're away from home. This will save energy and eliminate the risks of damage to your unit. It will also prevent the possibility of the unit being overloaded when you turn it back on again.

Is it better to leave the water heater on all the time?

It's better to leave the hot water heater on all the time, rather than turning it on and off. This is a very common energy saving myth. But in fact, you really don't need to be heating your water all the time. Your immersion heater or boiler will heat up hot water which is stored in a tank.

Is it a good idea to turn off the water heater during vacation?

Overall, it's actually best to keep your hot water heater on when you are away from your home for extended periods of time. While turning down HVAC systems and limiting electrical use could provide some savings during a vacation, turning off your water heater could cause more harm than good.

Should you drain pipes after turning off water?

After shutting off the main valve, ensure you drain the water from all the fixtures. In summer, the temperature of the water raises the pressure inside the pipes. If there is a crack, parts of your plumbing could burst. It is even more critical to drain hoses and faucets in the winter.

Does turning the water heater on and off cost more?

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.

Is it cheaper to leave the water heater on?

Thermodynamics implies it's usually better to switch off water heaters while away, as heat loss daily can cost less than reheating once.

Should I turn my water heater off at night?

Turning off the water heater at night is therefore not advantageous, since the energy required to heat the water when the appliance is reactivated cancels out the minimal savings that could have been achieved. There's no monetary advantage to turning off the water heater at night.

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