When evaluating your water-heating efficiency, there are several important areas to consider. Make sure that you know the water-heating basics, are willing to adjust your water-heating habits if need be, consider simple improvements that can make a big change, have spent time researching potential replacements, and do not discount solar heating options. The first step to evaluating your current situation and educating yourself in these areas is by answering the following questions:
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What type of water heater do you have? A storage tank, a tankless on-demand system, or a solar system?
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If you have a either a storage system or tankless system, does it use electricity, gas, or oil?
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What is the temperature of hot water at the taps in your home? (If it is more than 120F, you can easily save money by turning down the thermostat)
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What is the flow rate in the showers in your home?
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Are the lines between the water heater and your fixtures insulated?
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If you have a storage water heater, how many inches of built-in insulation does it have?
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Have you considered installing a solar water heater?
