In our daily routines, we use hot water often, but only a little at a time. When you add it all up, it has quite an impact on your electricity bill. But remember, small everyday savings also add up over time.
Start with what’s easiest
Most of the time, we know how to use less hot water. However, sometimes we forget the small things we can do because we don’t think they’ll make much of a difference.The following ideas tend to be underestimated, but they can hold the key to more savings.
In the kitchen
- Instead of rinsing your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, simply scrape off any remaining food. That tends to be enough.
- Only use the dishwasher when it’s full.
- Opt for the shortest possible cycle given the required washing level.
Did you know?
Modern dishwashers use less than half the amount of hot water used when washing dishes by hand in the sink under running water.
In the bathroom
- Shorten your showers by one or two minutes. Less than 10 minutes is usually enough.
- Turn off the tap when shaving.
- Opt for showers instead of baths.
In the laundry room
- Do laundry in cold water.
- Presoak very dirty or stained clothes instead of washing them twice.
- Opt for large loads: Washing machines are more efficient when fully loaded.
- If you can control the water level for your washing machine, adapt the setting to load size.
Did you know?
Washing with hot water costs up to 18 times more than using cold water!
Got a peak demand event coming up? Remember to use hot water wisely!
Are you signed up for a rate designed to help you save in winter, such as Rate Flex D? If so, remember not to use hot water before and during peak demand events. One tip on how to maintain your savings is to install a smart water heater controller. It is designed to limit the operation of the water heater during periods when electricity is more expensive. This will allow you to use some of the hot water in the tank.
Make your appliances work more efficiently
You may not have explored all the possibilities offered by your appliances. With the right settings and a few adjustments, you can reduce the amount of hot water required and minimize heat loss.
Explore your appliance settings
We tend to often use the same features out of habit. However, newer appliances can offer options that we haven’t yet tried.
- Find out what the optimal settings are and use them by default. If necessary, take a look at your appliance’s user guide.
- Only use intensive or high‑heat cycles when necessary.
- Set the water heater temperature to 60 °C (140 °F).
Minimize leaks and heat loss
Focus on which conditions will help your hot water maintain its heat until it gets to your faucet:
- Insulate hot water pipes running through unheated or cooler areas.
- Insulate your water heater, especially if it’s located in a cool area.
- Repair leaky faucets right away.
Did you know?
In the space of a month, a leak of one drip per second wastes the equivalent of 1,600 500‑ml bottles of water.
Opt for energy‑efficient products
Your good habits and optimized settings are already paying off. When it comes time to replace or upgrade your equipment, a few targeted choices can help you save even more.
- To reduce water flow, install low‑flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
- When one of your appliances reaches the end of its service life, replace it with a more energy‑efficient model. Look for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances.
- If your home is suitable or you’re planning to renovate, explore new water heating technologies, such as solar collectors or a drain water heat recovery system.
A little effort can lead to sizeable savings
Instead of one major change, making a few small adjustments is often enough to save on hot water. Once the new habits are in place, they continue to pay off daily. It’s a great way to save without having to try very hard!
