Your water heater works hardest in the winter and cooler months. Think about how long you stand outside your shower waiting for the hot water to flow through to you.

During these months, you want to take care to be aware of things you can do to be more efficient. There are simple steps you can take to help with reducing your water bills and saving energy.

Realistically, there are 4 ways to work towards energy efficiency of your water heater:

#1: Reduce your hot water usage and demand.

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
• Repair leaky faucets.
• Take shorter showers and eliminate baths.
• Replace older dishwashers and clothes washers with newer, modern energy-efficient models.

#2: Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.

• Setting the thermostat at 120 can save 6-10% annually on energy costs, while having enough hot water for showers and running the dishwasher.

#3: Insulate your water heater.

• By covering your water heater with a blanket or jacket, you can save 4-9% on energy cost.
• With this extra insulation of your water heater, you can reduce standby heat loss by 25-50%.

#4: Replace your current water heater with a new, more energy-efficient model.

• If you are purchasing a new water heater, look for one that is ENERGY STAR Qualified.

For further information on this subject, check out these websites:

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/water-heaters/water-heater-energy-saving-tips/
http://www.srpnet.com/energy/powerwise/energysavingstips.aspx#waterheating
http://energy.gov/articles/new-infographic-and-projects-keep-your-energy-bills-out-hot-water
http://homerepair.about.com/od/plumbingrepair/ss/hwh_tips_2save.htm
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20351985,00.html

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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You may not realize it but you could be losing money each year as a result of wasted energy through air leaks in your home. The good news, though, is there are quick and simple ways to reduce wasted energy. Caulking and weather stripping your home can make a big difference in reducing wasted energy in your home and reduce your energy bills in the process.

Tips to reduce air leaks:

• Test your home for air leaks.
• Caulk and weather strip doors and windows that are leaking air.
• Caulk and seal leaks in plumbing, electrical wiring and ducting that come through walls, floors and ceilings that are leaking air.
• Seal outlets and wall switch plates by installing foam gaskets behind them.
• Seal leaks in your insulation with low-expansion spray foam. (Dirty spots in the insulation are key signals that there is a leak.)
• Cover single-pane windows with storm windows or install double-pane, energy efficient, heat-resistant windows.
• Use foam sealant on areas that may produce leaks including larger gaps around windows and baseboards.
• When your kitchen exhaust fan is not in use, cover it.
• Clean out your dryer vent, which saves energy and prevents fire.
• Add pliable sealing gaskets to door bottoms and thresholds.
• When fireplaces are not in use, keep the flue damper closed tightly.
• Seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys, furnaces, and gas water heater vents with proper fire-resistant materials.
• Seal the leak caused by the installation of the drain assembly of a bathtub by fitting foam board around the pipes and seal any gaps with spray foam insulation.

You can test your home for air tightness by looking at these areas – electrical outlets, switch plates, door/window frames, electrical and gas service entrances, baseboards, weather stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, wall or window-mounted air conditioners, cable TV and phone lines, where dryer vents pass through walls, vents and fans, all exterior corners, outdoor water faucets, where siding and chimneys meet and areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

Sources: Zillow, energy.gov, the Allstate Blog and House Logic

Check out these sites for additional information:
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/air-sealing-your-home
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/insulation/biggest-air-leak-home/#
http://blog.allstate.com/feeling-a-draft-how-to-find-and-stop-common-air-leaks-in-your-home/
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/detecting-air-leaks

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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