Cutting costs for water heating.

Rising energy costs and deepening environmental concerns are prompting many people to take energy conservation more seriously. One important way to cut costs is to reduce the energy used to heat water.

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The water heater is typically the biggest household energy consumer after the furnace. Adopting a few simple measures--like turning down the thermostat on the water heater--can significantly lower energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Water heater thermostats are often set too high. Setting the thermostat at 50-55[degrees]C on gas-fired tanks and 55-60[degrees]C on electric tanks will keep water hot enough for most uses. The water will still be sufficiently hot to avoid bacterial growth in the tank, a possible health risk.

If you are going to be away from the house for a vacation, or even a long weekend, it is easy to adjust the thermostat control on your water heater to vacation or pilot mode. It will only take an hour or so for water to reheat when you return.

Proper maintenance of your heater will help ensure peak energy efficiency and increase its life span.

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It is important to clean the water tank of sediments that reduce the efficient operation of the heater. Unless it is equipped with a swirling dip tube to minimize sediment, clean the heater tank every three months by opening the valve at the bottom of the water heater to flush the tank. To do this safely, it is important to follow the proper procedure. Instructions are available on the Office of Energy Conservation Web site at www.oec.ca/images/WaterHeaters.pdf or call the OEC hotline at [phone].

Dirty burners and heat transfer surfaces also reduce performance. An expert inspector can examine these surfaces and check other performance and safety factors. An inspection should occur every two years.

Most storage tank water heaters include a device called an anode rod to prevent corrosion. Since it wears away over time, your inspector should replace it every two years if you have a water softener, otherwise every six years.

To cut heating loss, most water heaters have built-in insulation. This can be improved by adding an exterior insulation blanket. Insulate the tank to RSI 3.5 (R 20) using glass fibre insulation with an aluminum backing or foil-backed bubble pack insulation. Insulation kits, which cost about $50, can save you as much as $50 a year on your energy bill.

Use tape or wire to hold the insulation securely and ensure that the controls, the draft hood, and the combustion air sources remain uncovered (visit the OEC Web site for further information). NOTE: It is not recommended to add insulation to an oil-fuelled water heater.

Insulating your water lines using inexpensive foam pipe insulation is another good idea. Use at least one length on the cold water supply line into the water heater and as many lengths as possible on the hot water lines. Adding a second layer of pipe insulation meant for thicker pipes further increases insulation value.

You can also cut energy use by reducing the amount of hot water you use. Shower instead of bathing and use a low-flow showerhead. Washing clothes in cold water using a cold-water detergent is very energy efficient. When it is time to replace your washing machine, purchase a front-loading model. These use less water, are more energy efficient, and provide a cleaner wash. EnergyStar[R]-rated washing machines are PST-free in Saskatchewan.

When it is time to replace your water heater, you may want to consider purchasing a power vented water heater or an instantaneous water heater, two options that are more efficient than conventional heaters. Installing heat traps on the inlet and outlet water lines running into the heater will also save energy and lower costs.

Small businesses that use water heaters may also be able to save energy and money by applying a number of these measures.

Grant McVicar is the Director of the Saskatchewan Office of Energy Conservation.