Water heating usage
 On average, the typical family of four uses 125 to 250 litres (28 to 56 gallons) of hot water per day. Usually the highest demand occurs during
the morning rush and after dinner. Some days you may use more or less hot water, depending on your activities.
Water heating is the second largest energy user in our homes and accounts for about 20 per cent of household energy costs. For families with electric
water heaters, the monthly energy consumption is usually between 300 and 600 kWh per month.
For example, if your average water heater energy consumption level is 400 kWh per month and the price you pay for electricity is 9.631 cents per kWh,
your total monthly energy costs for water heating would be:
400 kWh x 9.631 cents = $38.52
Why should I choose an electric water heater?
Heating water electrically is very economical. On average, the electric water heating cost for a typical family of four is approximately $1.45 per day.
The following table will give you an idea of the typical monthly energy use and cost associated with water heating for various size families:
| Family size
|
Monthly kWhs
|
Monthly Cost
|
| 2 |
325 |
$31.30 |
| 3 |
390 |
$37.56 |
| 4 |
450 |
$43.34 |
| 5 |
510 |
$49.12 |
| 6 |
575 |
$55.38 |
(calculations based on 9.631 cents per kilowatt-hour)
Electric water heaters do not require an external fuel tank, chimney or venting system as there is no flame or fumes. They are safer and more
environmentally friendly than other common types of water heaters.
Did you know?
-
 Based
on 9.631 cents per kWh, the cost to heat one 40 gallon tank of hot water is approximately $1.22.
- One quarter of your hot water is used for laundry.
- About 40 per cent of your hot water is used for baths and showers.
- An energy efficient showerhead can reduce the amount of hot water for your shower by about 50 per cent.
- There’s an easy way to find out how much water you use in the shower. Next time you shower, plug the drain and at the end of the shower check the
water level. Is it more or less than you use for a bath?
- Rinsing the dishes under a generous flow of hot water can use more hot water than a dishwasher.
- Hot water costs are higher in winter because the water coming into your home is colder.
- A hot water tap leaking 1 drop per second will waste 24 litres or 5.3 gallons of hot water per day. At 9.631 cents per kWh, this costs approximately
$4.55 per month.
- An electric kettle uses approximately 40 per cent less energy than boiling water on an electric range top element.
Do you run out of hot water?
If you regularly run out of hot
water, your hot water tank may be too small for your family’s needs. Your water heater should be able to supply enough hot water for high demand days
when there are showers, baths, laundry and dishwashing.
A close look at household characteristics and activities will give you an indication of where your hot water is going. Factors such as the number of
family members, the size of your home, the age of your children and the use of appliances like the dishwasher and clothes washer will affect your demand
for hot water.
On a peak day, a typical family of four may use up to 450 litres (100 gallons) of hot water for their daily household needs. If you regularly run out
of hot water, you may want to consider reducing your hot water consumption by installing low flow showerheads and faucet aerators, changing some of your
hot water usage to different times of the day, or buying a larger water heater.
Reducing hot water energy usage
 |
- Install low flow showerheads.
- Wash clothes in cold or warm water whenever possible.
- Select appropriate water level for clothes washer load.
- Always use a cold water rinse in clothes washer.
- Wash only full loads in dishwasher.
- Reduce water heater temperature to appropriate level.
- Install faucet aerators to provide a full flow affect with much less water.
- Install a water heater insulation blanket.
- Look for an energy efficient water heater when purchasing a new one.
- Insulate hot water pipes.
- Repair any dripping hot water faucets.
|
Electric water heater maintenance
Once a year:
- Turn off electric circuit to the water heater.
- Close the water supply valve.
- Attach a garden hose from draincock at bottom of tank to basement drain or outdoors.
- Open the highest hot water faucet in the house.
- Open draincock and drain tank completely to flush out scale, rust and sediment.
- Close draincock and open supply valve to refill the tank.
- After the water tank is completely refilled, close highest faucet in house and turn the electric circuit to the water heater back on.
|