How to Reduce Your Energy Bills Using Less Hot Water – In Illinois you can lower your water heating costs by using less hot water, and there are certain things that you can do in order to accomplish this goal.

Fix Any and All Leaks

If your water heater is leaking, water heater repair will go a long way in helping you lower your energy bills. A local plumbing company will be able to send a licensed plumbing technician to your home to check your water heater tank for leaks and clean the water tank collector when it is needed and help you select an energy efficient water heater if it is time for a water heater replacement. A professional plumber can also inspect your entire home and all appliances for leaks including the kitchen and bathroom faucets and shower heads.

Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances

For starters, it is best to choose new energy efficient appliances right off the bat. Dishwashers and washing machines require a lot of energy to heat the water elements to the required temperature. By starting off buying these energy saving appliances, your energy costs will lower just by purchasing an energy efficient version of these appliances.

Choose Lower Flow Shower Heads and Faucets

Low-Flow shower heads are shower heads that are designed to reduce the amount of water that is wasted in order for your home to be more water-efficient. Shower heads can’t control whether you’re taking a long relaxing shower of course, but they can help reduce your water heating costs.

How to Choose the Right Dishwasher

You will not lower your energy costs by not using a dishwasher. Washing your dishes once a day in an energy efficient dishwasher saves more hot water than washing dishes several times a day by hand. Before you purchase your new dishwasher, you should know how much energy it consumes. Always check the manufacturers Energy Guide label on the product and compare different machines for the best possible solution for energy efficiency in your home.

Do keep in mind that some dishwashers are smaller and compact and others are standard size. The Energy Guide label may show that the smaller dishwasher is more energy efficient, but these dishwashers can’t hold as many dishes as the standard sized dishwashers can. In turn, you may be forced to use your compact model more often than a standard size machine, and this will raise your energy costs.

Choosing the Right Washing Machine

Washing machines are different from dishwashers due to the fact that the water does not have to be heated to a minimum temperature. This allows you to use cold or even warm water for most of your loads, and you will lower your energy costs instantly by doing this.

If you have an older washing machine, it may be operating at an inefficient rate and be costing you. Purchasing an up to date model that gives you the ability to choose the temperature and water levels will help you lower costs when you are washing your clothes. Newer energy efficient washing machines also help you save energy when you dry your clothes as new washers tend to have more efficient spin cycles. This cuts down on drying time and allows you to use your dryer less. Also consider purchasing a front loading washing machine over a top loading machine as front loading machines use less water.