| Do you know how much of an average household's | | | | a waste but also a danger, especially for children. If the |
| total energy use goes to water heating? 14%; it is | | | | control panel of your water heater does not have |
| usually the second largest part of your energy bill. We | | | | temperatures, you can use a cooking thermometer to |
| use hot water throughout the whole year so any | | | | check the temperature of the water in your sink or |
| energy-saving strategy will make a big difference. | | | | bath and then determine where to set the button to |
| Here are three tips to cut your water heating bill by | | | | get a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also if |
| one-fourth or more.Insulate the water heater tank and | | | | you think you need really hot water to sterilize your |
| hot water pipes: First, you have to check if your | | | | dishes and clothes, let me tell you that it is nothing |
| propane water heater needs insulation. Most of the | | | | more than a myth. You can set the button to the |
| new water heaters already have enough and no | | | | hottest, still your dishes and clothes will not be |
| additional insulation is necessary. After checking that, | | | | sterilized.Repair or Replace: Statistically the average |
| then you can use foam wrap to insulate the hot water | | | | lifetime of a water heater is 12 years. Although with |
| pipes all over the house. Insulating your water heater | | | | regular maintenance and routine repairs it can be two |
| and hot water pipes will make a big difference and it | | | | or three times longer, it is not always to your |
| will easily pay for itself in less than a year. You should | | | | advantage to keep the old units. The new, |
| also insulate the first few feet of the cold water pipe | | | | energy-saving water heaters will pay for themselves |
| nearest the heater. Make sure you keep the foam | | | | within 3-5 years. You can replace almost all |
| insulation at least three inches from the heater | | | | components of a water heater except the tank itself, |
| drafthood and exhaust vent. You can use a fiberglass | | | | so when the tank rusts through the only solution is to |
| insulation blanket to wrap your propane water heater. | | | | replace the water heater. There are internal anode |
| These insulation kits are widely available at minimal | | | | rods that protect the water heater against rusting. |
| cost. Make sure you leave the top and the area near | | | | Replacing these anodes every 3-4 years will |
| the bottom open so that the pilot and burner can have | | | | considerably add to the life of the water |
| air and your heater works properly. Also the control | | | | heater.Another problem with your water heater can be |
| panel should not be insulated. (Make sure you read the | | | | the overheating from sediment build-up inside the tank. |
| safety instructions and not do anything against them. It | | | | You should also have it inspected along with the |
| is highly recommended that you should consult a | | | | anodes periodically. Some companies offer warranties |
| professional for insulation.)Turn down the temperature: | | | | of 10 years or even lifetime which are worth looking |
| There is no need for water to be hotter than 120 - 125 | | | | into. |
| degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures are not only | | | | |