The water heater is one of the appliances that consumes the most energy in the home. For this reason, it is important to take measures to reduce its consumption and save on the electricity bill. In this article, we offer a series of practical tips for saving hot water and reducing energy costs in the home.
What can be done to reduce water consumption?
Reducing hot water consumption is one of the most effective ways to save energy in the home. Below are some measures that can be taken to reduce hot water consumption:
- Reduce shower time: A 5-minute shower consumes around 45 liters of hot water. Reducing shower time to 3 minutes can save up to 30% of hot water.
- Check the hot water installation and faucets for leaks: Hot water leaks can significantly increase energy consumption. It is important to regularly check the hot water installation and faucets to detect and repair any leaks.
- Use cold water programs in the washing machine: Most washing machines have cold water programs that can be used to wash clothes. Using these programs can significantly reduce hot water consumption.
- Install low-flow showerheads and flow reducers: Low-flow showerheads and flow reducers can reduce hot water consumption by 50%.
- Maintain an appropriate flow temperature: It is important to maintain an appropriate flow temperature to avoid wasting hot water. The recommended temperature is 38-40ºC.
- Choose an efficient system: It is important to choose an efficient water heating system according to the household’s consumption. Gas systems are more efficient than electric ones, but require more complex installation.
- Use aerators for faucets: Faucet aerators can reduce hot water consumption by 50%.
- Place the water heater inside the home: If the water heater is located outside the home, energy is lost in the transport of hot water. It is recommended to place the water heater inside the home.
- Reduce water temperature to 45ºC: Reducing water temperature to 45ºC can reduce energy consumption by 10%.
- Use thermal accumulators and heat pumps: Thermal accumulators and heat pumps are more energy-efficient alternatives to conventional water heaters.
How to save energy with the water heater?
In addition to reducing hot water consumption, there are other measures that can be taken to save energy with the water heater. Below are some of these measures:
- Acquire more efficient models: It is important to acquire more energy-efficient water heater models. Models with A+ or higher energy labels are the most efficient.
- Use smart functions: Some water heater models have smart functions that allow their use to be programmed according to the household’s needs. Using these functions can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Insulate the tank: Insulating the tank with a thermal blanket can reduce heat loss and, therefore, energy consumption.
- Program its use: Programming the use of the water heater according to the household’s needs can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Reduce water temperature to 45ºC: Reducing water temperature to 45ºC can reduce energy consumption by 10%.
- Use thermal accumulators and heat pumps: Thermal accumulators and heat pumps are more energy-efficient alternatives to conventional water heaters.
How to save water 10 examples?
In addition to the measures mentioned above, there are other measures that can be taken to save water in the home. Below are 10 examples of measures to save water:
- Use a bucket to wash the car instead of a hose.
- Use a drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler system.
- Use a rainwater collection system to water plants.
- Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand.
- Use a dual flush system in the toilet.
- Use a low-flow cistern system.
- Use a motion sensor faucet system.
- Use a shower system with a timer.
- Use a washing machine system with a full load.
- Use a dryer system with a full load.
Our advice
Reducing hot water consumption and saving energy in the home is an important task that can have a significant impact on the electricity bill. To achieve this, it is important to take practical measures such as reducing shower time, checking the hot water installation and faucets for leaks, using cold water programs in the washing machine, installing low-flow showerheads and flow reducers, maintaining an appropriate flow temperature, and choosing an efficient system. In addition, measures can be taken to save energy with the water heater, such as acquiring more efficient models, using smart functions, insulating the tank, programming its use, using aerators for faucets, placing it inside the home, and reducing water temperature to 45ºC. More energy-efficient alternatives to conventional water heaters, such as thermal accumulators and heat pumps, can also be considered. With these measures, hot water consumption and energy consumption in the home can be significantly reduced, and savings can be made on the electricity bill.