Your hot water heater works hard all year long. There is no off-season for the water heater, as there is for your heater and air conditioner. Hot water is a necessity in our homes, regardless of the temperature outside.
If you use a traditional tank water heater in order to heat water for use in your home, then you should know that this system is subject to some level of standby heat loss. This is the heat loss that occurs as heat in the water in the tank transfers through that tank into the air surrounding it. Here are a few tips to help you reduce standby heat loss from your water heater.
Insulate the Tank
Newer hot water tanks tend to be very well insulated. If you have an older tank, though, or if you just want to cut down on as much standby heat loss as possible, then you are wise to invest in an insulating blanket for your tank. These are quite affordable, easy to install on your tank, and effective in slowing heat transfer. It’s not going to completely eliminate heat loss, but using this insulation should help you to store hot water in your home affordably.
Consider Your Installation Options
You may be very tempted to stick your water heater in a space that is very out of the way. However, you may want to stop to consider the implications of doing so. Sure, the water heater is definitely not a centerpiece in your home, but installing it in a heated area can help to cut down on standby energy loss. We’re not suggesting that you install it in your living room, obviously, but if you have a heated space that would be appropriate, it is definitely worth considering.
You Can Always Go Tankless
If you want to completely eliminate standby heat loss, then you simply need to completely rid your system of the storage tank. A tankless water heater allows you to do so. Give us a call if you think that a tankless water heater is right for your home.
Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning installs fine water heaters from Rheem, Bradford White, and others. We also install and service solar water heaters in Madera, CA.
We strive to provide honest answers and solutions to the problems our customers experience while remaining highly competitive in price, and offer the fastest turnaround you can find!