How can I save on waterheater energy?

Question

How can I save on waterheater energy?

Answer 1

turn the temperature of the water down a few degrees

Answer 2

Insulate the heat and the hot water pipe.

When taking a shower, get wet, cut off the water, soap up, then rinse off.

Answer 3

If u really want to save invest in some new technology..there is a system now that heats the water as u need it..so there is no need to constantly using energy to maintain  the set degree level...The system has many manufacters now, imagine water through ur pipe through this unit it gets basically microwaved and then travels to ur desired location...

Answer 4

You can purchase a water heater blanket for additional insulation around the tank. Also, there is a foam insulation that is split down it's length that can be applied to exposed hot water pipes for added insulation. You can also turn down the temp. of the tank. Since the real waste is the energy used to heat water when you don't need it, which is probably most of the day. If the temp is turned way up, you are wasting more energy. Also use water saver shower heads and aerators on sinks. This will reduce the actual amount of hot water used.

Answer 5

David B gave some fine tips on conserving energy used by a standard hot water heater including added insulation on the cylinder and pipes, turning the working temp down and using water only when needed.  Some shower saver valves put so much air in the water that they actually cause the water to cool down.  

Another innovation I have recently seen is to enclose your shower stall.  This keeps it warmer and may allow you to use less water that has to be heated1

Another more radical measure is to switch to a point of use heater or an on demand heater.    The former heats water at the site where it is used and saves the loss associated while transporting hot water a distance.  The latter saves storage and maintenance costs when the usage of hot water is limited.  

Finally, you can look to alternative energy sources.  For some years now solar water heaters have been efficient and available, but not popular.2