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Keep Your Energy Bill Low
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By Dave Rongey
Summary: Keep Your Energy Bill Out of Hot Water. Water heating can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to lower your costs One way is to use less water.Tips to help you save on hot water heating. Water heating can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to lower your costs One way is to use less water. |
Keep Your Energy Bill Out of Hot Water
Repair leaky faucets immediately and use low-flow shower heads. (A family of four, each showering for five minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; you can cut that amount in half by using low-flow aerating showerheads.)
Insulate your hot-water storage tank and pipes, and drain a quart of water from your water tank every three months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater (follow the manufacturer's instructions).
Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with higher temperature settings than are necessary.
Water HeatingWhen buying a new water heater, compare Energy Guide labels to find an energy-efficient model. Water Heating Tips
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Solar Water HeatersIf you heat water with electricity, have high electric rates, and have an un shaded, south-facing location (such as a roof) on your property, consider installing a solar water heater. The solar units are environmentally friendly and can now be installed on your roof to blend with the architecture of your house. More than 1.5 million homes and businesses in the United States have invested in solar water heating systems, and surveys indicate over 94% of these customers consider the systems a good investment. Solar water heating systems are also good for the environment. Solar water heaters avoid the harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production. During a 20-year period, one solar water heater can avoid over 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. When shopping for a solar water heater, look for systems certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or the Florida Solar Energy Center.
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