If you ever look at your utility bill and wonder why it is so high, your water heater might be the reason. Heating up water requires more energy than just about everything in your house except heating and air conditioning. When your water heater is not efficient, they do not work well and cost more money. However, there are some easy fixes to help make your water heater efficient.

Clean the Tank

Minerals build up on your water heater as you use it. When the minerals settle at the bottom, the hardened material forms sediment. Sediment causes your water heater to work harder. This causes a build-up of pressure which leads to overheating. Draining and flushing your water heater annually removes sediments and helps it run efficiently.

Insulation

Heat naturally leaks out of pipes and your water tank. While this occurs naturally, it does cause your water heater to be less efficient. As the heat is released, it means that more water needs to be heated. This causes your water heater to run more and longer. Insulating the pipes and tank prevents some amount of the heat from leaking.

Repair Leaks

While plumbing leaks are common, you do not want to ignore them. They are problematic for your home. Leaks waste water and use more energy. According to the EPA, leaks account for almost 10,000 gallons of wasted water per year, and 10% of homes with leaks waste more than 90 gallons of water each day. Often, leaks occur at the water heater. It is best to check your water heater for any signs of leaking, especially at the drain valve and temperature-pressure relief valve. Even the tiniest leak can waste a significant amount of water.

Lower the Temperature

Your water heater has a thermostat. This tells the system to what temperate it should heat the water. The higher the setting, the hotter you want your water. The hotter the water means that your water heater may have to work harder and longer. Reducing the temperature helps to make your water heater more efficient.

If you believe that your water heater is running inefficiently, contact professionals to assess your water heater to ensure it is running as well as it can. This will help you save energy and lower your utility costs.