Daily habits also play an important role in decreasing hot water costs. Small changes in how hot water is used can reduce both water and energy consumption without requiring major investments.
One of the simplest ways to lower water-heating costs is to use hot water only when it is needed. Many everyday activities, such as brushing teeth, rinsing produce, or washing hands, do not always require hot water. Using cold water when appropriate reduces the amount of water that must be heated without affecting the task being performed.
Being intentional also means reducing the total amount of hot water used. Taking shorter showers, running full loads in clothes washers and dishwashers, and turning off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth all reduce the amount of hot water that must be heated each day.
Finally, avoid wasting hot water after it has already been heated. Letting the shower run before entering, allowing the faucet to run while waiting for hot water, or using more hot water than necessary sends heated water down the drain without providing any benefit. Because energy has already been used to heat this water, these habits increase both water and energy costs. Planning hot water use and turning fixtures off whenever hot water is not actively needed can help reduce utility bills.
Routine maintenance helps water heaters operate efficiently and can extend their service life.
For conventional storage water heaters, periodically flushing the tank helps remove sediment that accumulates over time. Excess sediment can reduce heating efficiency, decrease available hot water, and shorten the lifespan of the water heater. Manufacturers may also recommend periodically inspecting or replacing the anode rod, which helps protect the tank from corrosion.
Heat pump water heaters require additional maintenance, such as regularly cleaning or replacing air filters to maintain efficient operation. Regardless of the type of water heater, following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help maximize efficiency and reliability.
Many modern water heaters include a vacation mode that temporarily lowers the water temperature while the home is unoccupied. Because the water heater no longer needs to maintain a full tank of hot water, standby heat losses are reduced and less energy is consumed.
If a vacation mode is not available, many water heaters allow the temperature setpoint to be lowered manually during extended absences. For longer periods away from home, some people may choose to turn off the water heater entirely, provided this is appropriate for their water heater type and climate.