4 Simple Ways to Improve Gas Water Heater Efficiency
Call The Stanley Louis Company for help improving gas hot water heater efficiency.
Although gas water heaters are typically less expensive to operate than comparable electric models, this doesn’t mean that gas hot water heater owners shouldn’t look for every possible penny of savings on their hot water bills. The following 4 simple tips should help you ensure you’re getting the best possible performance and energy efficiency from your gas water heater.
Flush the Tank
Although most hot water heater owners don’t realize it, an annual tank flush is an essential part of hot water heater maintenance for a gas or electric system. The process is simple. All you have to do is turn off the gas, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, then open the valve and let the water drain out. When the water runs cold and clear, you can close the valve, allow the tank to refill, and then turn the gas back on. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the built-up minerals and sediments that would otherwise interfere with the operation of your heater and cause it to become less efficient.
If you are not comfortable performing a tank flush yourself, you can always call the pros at The Stanley Louis Company to do it for you. We’ll also be happy to inspect the unit and make sure everything is in good repair as part of the maintenance visit.
Adjust the Thermostat
Some people think that setting the thermostat higher saves money, because then when they turn on the taps they will use much more cold water than hot water in order to make the temperature comfortable. In reality, you need to be more concerned about the impact of heat loss from the tank than the amount of hot water you use. The lower you set the thermostat, the less energy will be needed to maintain that temperature in the tank. The ideal thermostat setting for most water heaters should be 120°F. This should provide all the hot water you need while also protecting young kids or elderly adults from risk of scalding.
Add Insulation
If your water heater is located in an unheated space such as a basement, it is an excellent idea to wrap it with an extra layer of insulation. This will help the water in the tank stay hotter so that you use less gas to maintain the desired temperature. If you add the insulation yourself, be sure not to cover up the pressure release valve.
Upgrade to a New Unit
One final way to improve the efficiency of your gas water heater is to upgrade to a new unit. New models have many energy-saving features such as intermittent pilot lights rather than standing pilot lights, which allow you to use less gas. They may also have more accurate gas control valves for more precise control of the pilot flame.
