Water Heaters

“In a typical Canadian home, water heating is the second biggest energy user after space heating. Water heating can account for up to 20% of your utility costs. Reducing your water heating costs is possible in many ways…from something as simple as wrapping your tank in a water heater blanket to installing solar or instantaneous hot water systems.”

Water Heating Tips

Wrap your hot water tank in a thermal blanket to reduce heat loss. Insulate the hot water pipes as much as possible to minimize radiation heat loss.
Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period.
Install nonaerating low-flow faucets and showerheads.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 115°F provides comfortable hot water for most uses.
If you heat with electricity, consider installing a solar water heater. The solar units are environmentally friendly and can now be installed on your roof to blend with the architecture of your house.
Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. You use 15 to 25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 10 gallons during a 5-minute shower.