The cost of utilities is continually on the rise in most developed countries, especially urban centres and metropolitan cities. Indeed, this is primarily because of rapid population growth and an increasing need for more energy sources and power, which is putting further strain on the network. Thankfully, there are many nifty and easy ways you can save money on your gas hot water bill. Indeed, minimising your use of gas hot water can save you a lot of cash as well, since it’s often the second-largest energy expense in the home. Here are our top 6 tips that can be easily implemented around the home.
#1 Decrease the thermostat
When they are shipped out from the manufacturer, the heater is set at a pre-determined temperature. Slightly lowering this temperature (by 5-10 degrees) might not necessarily make a significant difference to the warmth of your showers. Lowering the temperature via the thermostat has several positive effects – it will lower your utilities bill, while also reducing the mineral build-up and scalding that can occur in the heater and your pipes. This also leads to lower costs in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
#2 Repair leaky faucets
While a leaky faucet might only seem like a minor nuisance, it can be a costly one if left untreated for a long time. The amount of liquid lost could be costly, especially if heated. Please make sure you check outdoor faucets as well since they are more likely to be leaking then indoor taps. Once you find a leaky faucet, make sure you repair it instantly (if you can), otherwise hire a professional plumber to handle it for you. Wasting hundreds of litres in gas hot water every week will take its toll on your finances.
#3 Install a timer
A conventional gas hot water heater is continuously operating, which weighs heavily on your electricity bill. Installing a timer on the unit, however, can do wonders to save you money. You can set the timer, so the heater turns off at a specific time at night. This will help your unit conserve energy and save costs while adding years to the lifetime of the unit. We recommend asking a professional plumber in your local area to handle this for you since this will ensure that you get the most reliable gas hot water usage during the day.
#4 Replace old appliances
Old appliances tend to be way less energy efficient compared to newer models. There are many apps you can use to help you calculate how much money you can save by conserving energy. For example, if your dishwasher or washing machine (which use a lot of gas hot water) is somewhat outdated, it might be worth upgrading to a new model. When you’re doing your research, keep a keen eye on the relevant “energy stars” and how much liquid is used in each cycle.
#5 Install heat traps
Heat traps allow cold liquids to flow into the system without letting the gas hot water escape in the process. Most contemporary models have these mechanisms built-in, so it shouldn’t be something you need to worry about. However, if your unit is much older (but still in excellent condition), it is undoubtedly worth installing heat traps since they will conserve heat and minimise further strain/energy needed to power the unit.
#6 Install a new hot gas water heater
At the end of the day, if none of the above tips has worked for you, it might be time to get a new heater for your home or apartment. These units are only meant to last a certain number of years, and if you have moved into an old property, there is a good chance the unit has just run its course.