Energy Tip of the Month

Whether the Alaskan summer is chilly or toasty, your need for hot water probably doesn’t change that much. What you can change is how efficiently that hot water is created and stored. Here are a few tips for making the most from your hot water heater.

What: Turn down the thermostat on your water heater down. How: Find the thermostat by looking for a round knob near the bottom. Turn the thermostat a little bit towards 120 or “warm.” Wait a few hours then test the water furthest away from the water heater. Benefits: Lower water temperature discourages heat loss and corrosion, saving energy and the condition of the water heater.

What: Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to. How: The type of water tank you have determines the steps to take, so follow the manufacturer’s advice. Benefits:Draining the water helps remove sediment that impedes heat transfer. The efficiency of your water heater can improve.