U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Building Technologies Office – Energy Open House

Water Heater

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New ENERGY STAR®-qualified water heaters can cut water heating costs by as much as 50%.
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Energy Facts: Water heating is the third largest energy expense in the average home. It typically accounts for 13% to 17% of a utility bill. An ENERGY STAR qualified water heater can cut those costs in half.

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Scout It Out: How old is your water heater? A water heater typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Check the EnergyGuide label on the unit to determine how efficient your model is. If there is no label, you can often find model information on the manufacturer's Web site.

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Tips:

  • Don't wait for a water heater to fail before replacing it! Plan for the purchase and select the ENERGY STAR qualified model that fits your needs.
  • In the short term, you can save money on water heating by lowering the thermostat, which sometimes comes from the factory with high temperature settings. A setting of 120°F provides comfortable hot water for most uses.
  • Insulate a storage tank following manufacturer recommendations. Be careful not to cover the thermostat on an electric hot-water storage tank. Do not cover the top, bottom, thermostat, or burner compartment of a natural gas or oil hot-water storage tank. When in doubt, ask a professional.