Hot Water Heater Savings Question

[etswife2005]

Hi,

In our house the hot water heater is in a utility room in the carport..I don't know why the builders put it there but they did. The problem we have is that the kitchen and master bathroom are on the opposite end of the house and so whenever we turn on the hot water it has to run forever before any hot water arrives....I am sure this has a significant impact on our water bill..

Any thoughts on how to make a change here?

Thank You for any ideas

[PRICEPLUS]

They sell jackets for water heaters. Also look into wrapping your hot water pipes with insulation.

I guess you could move your water heater but that would involve a ggodly amount of expense!

[etswife2005]

Hi,

Thanks for the tips.

We have already taken those steps because the winter after we moved in the hot water lines froze solid

We are considering putting a small hot water heater in line with the pipes under the house below the kitchen.....I have also read something recently about catching the excess water in a jug while waiting for it to heat up and using it to water plants, fill the washing machine, etc.... Not sure if thats worth the effort though....

[mjrube94]

I was going to suggest catching the water as well. The upside is that you can do it for a month and see if it lowers your bill without being a huge inconvenience. If so, you've avoided having to pay to buy and install a smaller heater. The downside is that it's really a pain in the neck, in which case you buy the smaller one anyway. (And at least it gives you a month to research and shop around for the smaller one, so you get the best deal on that).

[Ima saver]

Turn your hot water heater off when not using it. It only needs to be on for about 20 minutes to heat water for a shower, run the dishwasher, etc. I have been doing this for 29 years and I have a BIG house and small electric bills. (under $100 per month)

[Ima saver]

Just saw an article in the paper that says hot water accounts for 35% of your electric bill. Keep your h/w heater turned off when not using.