Lower Utility Bills
Lower Utility Bills | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Reliance
Imagine opening your utility bill and seeing smaller numbers month after month. That’s the power of pairing high-efficiency plumbing practices with a modern tank water heater. By optimizing water flow, insulating critical lines, and installing smart-mix valves, HEP keeps every gallon hotter for longer, so your heater runs less and your wallet stays fuller.
Our Reliance plumbers handle everything—from selecting the right capacity to flawless, code-compliant installation—backed by transparent pricing and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. You get steady, reliable hot water, reduced energy waste, and the peace of mind that comes from a local team who treats your home like their own. Lower bills, longer equipment life, happier mornings: it all starts here.
FAQs
How does upgrading to a high-efficiency tank water heater lower my utility bills?
High-efficiency models use better insulation, advanced burners or heating elements, and smarter controls to reduce standby and operating losses. They keep water hot longer, require less energy to reheat, and can cut water-heating costs by 20-40 % compared with older standard units. Over a typical Reliance household’s yearly usage, that translates to noticeable savings on both natural-gas and electric bills.
What size tank water heater should I choose for maximum energy savings in my Reliance home?
Selecting the right capacity prevents you from heating more water than you need. For most households, 30–40 gal suits 1–2 people, 40–50 gal fits 3–4 people, and 50–75 gal handles 5+ people or high-demand fixtures. An accurately sized tank cycles less often and experiences lower standby loss, directly reducing energy waste and utility costs.
How often should I flush or service my tank water heater to keep energy costs down?
Sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank acts as an insulating layer, forcing the burner or element to work harder. We recommend a quick drain-and-flush once a year in Reliance’s mineral-rich water conditions. Also test the temperature-pressure relief valve annually and inspect the anode rod every 3–5 years. Regular maintenance can restore up to 15 % of lost efficiency.
Are rebates or incentives available in Reliance for installing an energy-efficient tank water heater?
Yes. Reliance Utility District and many regional energy programs offer $50–$150 instant rebates on ENERGY STAR® gas or electric storage heaters with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ≥ 0.64 (gas) or ≥ 0.93 (electric). Federal tax credits of 30 % (up to $600) may also apply under the Inflation Reduction Act. Our team handles the paperwork and will deduct all available incentives from your upfront cost.
How long does it take to recoup the cost of a high-efficiency tank water heater through lower utility bills?
Payback depends on your fuel type and current rates, but most Reliance homeowners see a 3–5 year return. For example, upgrading from a 0.58-EF gas heater to a 0.70-UEF unit can save about $60–$80 per year; replacing an older 0.90-EF electric tank with a 0.95-UEF model saves $30–$50 annually. Factoring rebates shortens the payback even further.
What features should I look for if my main goal is reducing water-heating energy use?
Prioritize a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), thick foam insulation (at least 2"), a self-cleaning or anti-scale design, electronic gas valves or heat traps, and smart thermostats that allow vacation or learning modes. Also consider factory-installed mixing valves, which let you store water at 140 °F for hygiene while delivering 120 °F to taps, effectively giving you more usable hot water from a smaller tank.