Energy Saving Tips
Did you know that an electric hot water heater represents one of the major electrical loads in a house? Also, like everything else, regular maintenance, preferably on a yearly basis is recommended. A typical 40 Gal / 240 Volt hot water heater has 2 elements. The top one is for quick recovery, and the bottom is for general heating. These two elements do not run at the same time, so, invariably the bottom element operates 95% of the time. Any sediment from the water that enters the tank falls to the bottom. Over time sediment causes scale that can cover the bottom element and cause it to run longer to heat the same amount of water. This extra heating time can cost a considerable amount over the life of the hot water heater. An easy solution is, every year:
- Shut off the power
- Shut off the water
- Drain the tank
- Set both thermostats to 120 ºF
(they come preset to 140 ºF) - Replace the bottom element with a new one – don’t discard the old one, set it aside, it can be cleaned and put back in next year during regular maintenance
- Refill with water
- Turn on the power
- Wrap your hot water tank in an insulating blanket
The next year, only buy a hot water heater element gasket; re-use the element you have taken out last year. First clean off the build up of scale. This way you will also always have a spare element on hand in case of element failure.
Doing this over a 10-year period is going to cost about $70.00 plus some time. The average savings based on $0.08/kw for family household of 4 people, over 10 years is $3269.00.
Isn’t it better to put these savings in your pocket?
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