This regular column on tips to live more sustainably comes from the 52 Weeks Climate Action Challenge. The challenge was created by Laurel Hood and Sherri Jackson. Hood is a retired Collingwood Collegiate Institute teacher, and Jackson is a writer and speaker, and ran as the Green Party’s candidate for the area in the last federal election. Both are climate activists.
Note, Natural Resources Canada offers a water heater guide online here, and warns consumers not to turn the temperature of the water heater to below 49 C or 120 F to protect against risks associated with bacteria growth at lower temperatures.
*****
I don’t know about you, but, when I feel the need for some extra comfort, I head to the bath tub. I know I’m not alone. There isn’t much that a good soak can’t wash away. If you’re feeling blue, or frustrated, or just exhausted, a few minutes with some bubbles, soothing music and a good book can make you a new person.
But, how hot is too hot? When it comes to water, you may find the numbers surprising. Most households use about 170 litres of water per day. That’s a heck of a lot of water! On top of that, most people’s hot water tanks are set much too high. If you can’t run your hand under the water without hurting, it’s too hot. Experts recommend 120 F to prevent injury.
Your hot water tank runs between three and five hours per day. Newer models aren’t quite as inefficient, but you get the picture. You’re heating a lot of water, and it just waits around until it’s needed. Not the most economical approach.
Water heating makes up about 20 to 25 per cent of the typical natural gas use in a gas heated house in our type of climate. Lowering the temperature setting can cut your overall natural gas use by five to six per cent. On a regular heating bill, that can be $20 or so a month. Not bad!
Challenge 44: Turn down your hot water tank.
The default setting on most water heaters is 60 C or 140 F, but the best hot water temperature is 49C or 120 F – this will save you about 25 per cent of your hot water heating costs.
There are other ways you can reduce your energy use when it comes to hot water. The easiest way is to use less (that’s a no-brainer). But, here’s a list of things you might try if you haven’t already:
- Have shorter showers.
- Use low-flow faucets.
- Don’t let the water run while you’re doing something else (like while brushing your teeth, or doing the dishes).
- Don’t pre-rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.
- Wash only full loads, and choose shorter cycles.
- Use cold water for washing your laundry.
- If your water heater is older, consider buying a new, higher efficiency one. Old ones not only are less efficient, they are often bogged down by sediment.
- Invest in an on-demand hot water heater.
So turn down the heat on your energy bill. You won’t really notice a difference in your day to day living, but you will notice a difference on your monthly bill, and Mother Earth will thank you for it.
************************
