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Hot water is a valuable resource that we often take for granted, used for bathing, washing, and cleaning we need hot water in many ways.
Take a hot shower, for example, a relaxing hot shower before going to bed is always a good idea, an excellent way to unwind and relax at the end of a long and stressful day not only does it clean out bodies but how water has so many other health benefits too.
A hot shower is typically used for muscular relaxation before sleeping because it can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Being soaked in hot water effectively relieves bodily tension and can assist ease muscle weariness.
In addition, a hot shower might also help with respiratory issues. The steam and heat from the water can assist in removing mucus, expand airways, and clear your nasal passages.
Case in point, we love our hot showers. However, uncontrolled use of hot water can have significant negative consequences. Hot water accounts for 21% of total energy consumption in modern homes. It is also responsible for around 23% of most house hold’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing hot-water consumption is essential. Here are five tips to reduce your hot water usage without compromising comfort or requiring you to have cold showers!
1. Choose the Correct Type of Hot Water System
There are many models and kinds of water heaters available on the market. First, choose a hot water system that matches your requirements such as how many people live in your home, how much laundry, dishwashing is required? Then, make sure it’s the appropriate size for your home, energy-efficient, and within your budget.
The number of individuals who live in your home and your hot water consumption is essential in determining which hot water system you need. In addition, you must be aware of how many showers, washing machines, and dishwashers are in use at any given moment.
You can establish an ideal system size based on your consumption. Then, identify the appropriate system and energy source for your requirements based on your projected consumption.
For example, electric storage systems are used by roughly ½ of modern households, they are the least expensive to buy and install, but they are sometimes the most expensive to run unless fuelled by a solar energy system.
On the other hand, heat pump water heaters use only 30% of the energy of a standard electric hot water system. Heat pumps are costly to purchase and install, but they are cheaper to run. But it’s best to contact a licensed plumber to install it in your area so you can be properly advised on which type is best for your home.
2. Check the Timing and Thermostat Setting
Hot water must be maintained at temperatures over 60°C temperature to prevent bacteria growth in hot water systems. Set your thermostat to correspond to the type of hot water heater you own.
For a storage tank hot water heater, the temperature should not be lower than 60°C. If it’s set far higher, you’ll be spending considerably more on hot water than you should. On the other hand, Instant water heaters can be set to 50°C because the water is not held in a tank.
Energy suppliers offer off-peak pricing to encourage consumers to switch on during off-peak hours and ease pressure on the system during peak demand periods. Off-peak operation of your hot water system is a fantastic way to save money and minimize your hot water expenses.
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3. Keep Your Hot Water System Working Efficiently
Your hot water heater will likely become less efficient over time due to normal wear and tear. Water heater maintenance is essential for guaranteeing a steady supply of hot water. A well-maintained water heater will last for many years.
The majority of tankless water heaters have up to a 20-year lifespan if properly maintained. They also have easily replaceable parts. On the other hand, storage water heaters, have a 10- to 15-year lifespan, these also have parts that are easily replaceable or repairable.
A qualified plumber should inspect your water heater on a regular basis It will help to keep it working efficiently for a more extended period. Also, identify defective components before they fail to leave you without hot water.
4. Reduce Hot Water Usage in Laundry and Dishwasher
As much as possible, choose a washing machine and dishwasher with a good water rating. The high rating ensures that these gadgets use hot water very efficiently. Use a full load in your washing machine. If possible, do your laundry in cold water to save water and electricity.
When compared to high-efficiency top-loading, front-loaders consume less water than top-loaders. Front-loaders use roughly 18 L less water each cycle than regular top-loaders. Front-loaders need less water because the rotating drum rotates the clothing through a shallower pool of water-detergent solution.
5. Install Water-Efficient Showerheads and Taps
Showering consumes the most amount of hot water in a typical household. Installing a water-saving showerhead can cut this use in half.
Traditional shower heads can consume up to 18L of water per minute. Switching to a low-flow showerhead can help you save money on hot water.
If you have a continuous flow water heater, use an efficient and robust showerhead and do not reduce the flow of hot water too much. Handheld shower heads are a smart way to reduce water consumption because you can more effectively direct the water to where you need it with less volume.
Reduce Greenhouse Emissions and Save Money
The bathroom accounts for the majority of hot water consumption in a home, with the laundry and kitchen consuming the remainder of the hot water in the average modern household.
Therefore, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money by installing a more efficient water heater for your home, get a water efficiency certificate by installing water-efficient showerheads and taps, it all adds up so that you can still enjoy your hot showers, guilt-free!
