Using Hot Water Efficiently Easy savings
Use less water. Don’t let water run unnecessarily; install low-flow showerheads in showers for $10-$15 and aerators in kitchen and bathroom sinks for just a few dollars. You can install both yourself quickly and easily. Lower hot water temperature settings. Hotter water loses energy quicker. Change this by looking into your regional laundry and dishwashing temperature requirements and setting your thermostat no higher. If you have an electric water heater just for hand washing, lowering the thermostat from 130 to 120 will annually save you at least $10. Turn off water heater when not in use. Get a programmable thermostat for $30. It’ll turn off your electric water heater on nights and weekends, but make sure you have hot water before your facility reopens. A water heater timer will save you $10-$50 every year. Perform routine maintenance and maximize savings. Replacing or repairing leaking faucets, toilets, showerheads, and pipes are low-cost solutions and easy to do yourself. Fixing a leak that drops water every few seconds saves many gallons of water and quite a bit of money, especially if it’s a hot water leak. Insulate your tank and any pipes connected to it.
From the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Typical Recommended Hot Water Temperatures (in ͦF) Process Temperatures Hand washing 105 Showers 110 Laundry* 160 Dishwasher rinse** 180-195 *Check code requirements **Many dishwashers have booster heaters; check with the manufacturer to determine minimum temperature requirements If you are not a gas customer and you use more than 100 gallons of hot water a day at your facility you can cut your energy costs by 50% if you switch out your regular electric water heater with a heat pump water heater. Source: http://www.asbdc-us.org/Resources/Energy_Efficiency_Pays.pdf