We can’t help with all of the winter blues, but that last one we can deal with.

The air may be colder, but that doesn’t mean that your water, gas, and electric bills need to heat up! Instead of cranking up the hot water knob and hoping for the best, think strategically, particularly when it comes to your water heater. A few tweaks to your water heater and the rest of your plumbing can massively improve your system’s efficiency, helping keep you warm all winter long – without sending your bills skyrocketing.

What do you say? Want to max out your water heater for the winter chill? Give these tried-and-true adjustments a try:

Lower the Temperature

Water heaters aren’t “one size fits all” machines! Instead, you can adjust the temperature settings on your unit within government-regulated standards. In the winter, a little bit of warm water can go a long way compared to the chilly air around you, so feel free to lower your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees or so.

The advantages to turning down your temperature really add up, helping you cut down on total water consumption and standby losses. By some estimates, you can save $12 to $30 annually for every 10 degrees you lower your water temperature.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Is your water heater’s tank hot to the touch? If you answered yes, then your unit is prime candidate for insulation. In a lot of cases, water heaters “run hot” to make up for heat energy escaping the system. They get hotter in order to produce the same amount of warm water, causing a massive increase in energy usage.

Instead of letting your system go red – and add up to 10% to the running cost of your water heater – insulate the water heater with a blanket and pipe-wrap. And consider insulating other exposed hot water pipes, as well! The more insulation you add, the less heat energy gets lost when water is en route to your appliances. This means that water stays warmer for longer, and you won’t have to send money spiraling down the drain each time you wait for a hot enough stream.   

Turn Off Your Water When You’re Away

The winter months are prime for traveling, whether that means heading to a family member’s house for the holidays or escaping away to Florida or the Bahamas for some much-needed sun. To increase your home’s overall efficiency, save some money, and, most importantly, prevent a major plumbing disaster, be sure to shut off your water before leaving.

You can do this a few ways. Most obviously, you can find your main water valve – generally located near your water meter – and shut it off. If you need to leave the main water supply on for some reason (perhaps a neighbor has to refill a dog’s water bowl or tend to a houseplant), shut down your supply valves to specific appliances, like your washing machine, dishwasher, or ice-making refrigerator.

There will still likely be water left in your water heater’s tank, and that’s OK! Fifty gallons is a lot, but a whole houseful of water is another matter entirely.

Have Your Water Heater Inspected

We recommend having your water heater professionally maintained at least once a year. Having a professional come and flush your unit, replace your anode rod, and generally inspect the heater for age, efficiency, and quality can make a major difference on your bills year-round – and maybe stave off a major plumbing disaster before it strikes at the worst possible time.

Looking for help with your water heater? Combat Plumbing is here! Drop us a line, day or night, with any questions or concerns. Want to stay in touch all winter long? Give us a follow on Facebook or Twitter!