If you are already saving water by taking short showers and not running the faucet when you brush your teeth, you might be curious about different ways to save cash with your water heater. If you are curious about ways you can take care of your water heater and save money at the same time, this guide will help you.

1. Lend Your Water Heater a Jacket

Your water heater stores hot water even if you are not currently using the faucets. Standby loss of heat occurs much more quickly if your heater is not insulated. By using a water heater jacket, you can reduce heat loss significantly. This is an especially good idea if your water heater is an older model that does not have efficiency standards built in.

2. Turn Down the Thermostat

You can save a good chunk of your bill by adjusting your thermostat. Lowering it about 10 degrees or so will prevent scalding while also not allowing excess mineral buildup in your water tank. If you are not sure how to turn down your water heater's thermostat, a professional water heater technician can help you perform this step.

3. Look for Water Leaks

Even a leaky faucet can go undetected at times, leading to more water use than you are aware of. Take a look around the house on occasion to assess leaky faucets and plumbing that might be wasting water and cash.

4. Keep the Water Heater Uncluttered

The water heater is less efficient when it is in a cluttered area. Clear out some space to allow oxygen to get to the unit. Plus, this prevents items near the water heater from acting as fire hazards.

5. Drain the Water Heater Tank

Water heaters have tanks that tend to lead to sediment buildup. Unfortunately, water heaters with buildup become inefficient. If you are not sure how to drain the tank, you can get in touch with a water heater technician to perform this task for you.

6. Have Your Water Heater Inspected Each Year

Inspection is essential for your water heater because leaks and corrosion can significantly impact your unit's efficiency. There is also more nuance to checking a gas water heater at connections and the draft hood. This is one step where you want to rely on a professional opinion not only to ensure that your water heater is running efficiently, but also to maintain the safety of your home.

Contact a water heater installation service for more information about how to save money and improve the efficiency of your hot water heater.