Water Heating

Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 14% of your utility bill. There are four ways to cut your water heating bills:  1) Use less hot water; 2) Turn down the thermostat on your water heater; 3) Insulate your water heater; 4) Buy a new, more efficient water heater.

A family of 4 each showering for 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; this is enough for a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person. You can cut that amount in half simply by using low-flow nonaerating showerheads and faucets.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS:

• Repair leaky faucets promptly, a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period
• Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat
• Buy a new energy-efficient water heater. While it may cost more initially than a standard water heater, the energy savings will continue during the lifetime of the appliance (see Marathon Water Heaters listed under Services)
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 115 degrees farenheit provides comfortable hot water for most uses

INSULATE YOUR WATER HEATER TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

Hot water usage - The typical U.S. homeowner's water consumption by place of use:

• 37%   Shower
• 26%   Clothes washer
• 14%   Dishwasher
• 12%   Bath
• 11%   Sinks