Water heaters play an important role in every household. Taking a shower in the morning or washing your face with lukewarm water is made easy and simple because of water heaters. However, hot water heating systems use a considerable amount of energy. This, in turn, makes them incredibly expensive to operate.
But, of course, you can’t simply give up your relaxing and hot shower, right? That’s why here at SPS Plumbing, we will help you understand how much electric water heaters affect your electric bill. We will also give you some tips that can lower your water heating costs!
Let’s Run the Numbers: Water Heaters and Electricity Consumption
According to the US Department of Energy, water heaters are among the second biggest appliances that consume electricity in a home. In fact, a water heating system accounts for 18% of your electrical bill.
So, how can you keep your costs low while optimizing the usage of your water heater? That might be tricky, but the first thing you need to do is use high-energy-factor-rated water heaters.
Always remember that the higher the EF rating, the more efficient the heater. Usually, electric heaters’ EF ranges between 0.75 to 0.95. However, its energy-saving factor still depends on several elements, such as the size of the water tank, the amount of water used, the temperature setting, and the tank insulation.
So, How Much Does It Really Cost?
Now that you’re familiar with the EF rating, you need to understand the value behind the numbers. You can check and calculate the cost of your water heater using this tool. It considers all the factors behind the annual operating cost of your water heating system.
Tips in Reducing Water Heater Electricity Usage
You can significantly lower the electricity usage by doing the following:
- Lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit;
- Installing insulation around the water tank, and;
- Upgrading to an Energy Star-rated unit.
Need help on installing an energy-efficient and cost-effective water heating system? SPS Plumbing has got you covered. Contact us at 408-622-8183 (South Bay Area) or 209-597-9107 (Central Valley)! We’re currently serving the following areas: San Jose CA, South Bay Area, Manteca CA, and Central Valley. Get in touch with us today!