If you’re like most homeowners in Central or Northeast Indiana, you’re always seeking ways to save on your monthly utility bills, especially as energy costs continue to rise. One common question that families ask is whether turning off your water heater at night can actually help reduce energy usage and save money. While this may seem like a quick and easy fix for high energy bills, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it appears.
In this blog post, the water heater specialists at Masters Heating & Cooling explain why turning off your water heater at night isn’t the best option for saving on utilities, and what you can do instead to drive down energy costs.
How Much Energy Can You Save by Turning Off Your Water Heater?
Water heating typically accounts for about 14 to 18% of a home’s energy use, making it the second-largest energy expense in many households. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average family spends about $400 to $600 annually just to heat water.
Turning off your water heater at night could theoretically reduce this cost; however, the savings are relatively modest. Shutting off the unit for 8 to 10 hours each night might save 5 to 12% annually (or about $20 to $70 per year). While this might sound appealing, there are some important risks to consider before flipping that switch every night.
Risks of Turning Off Your Water Heater
1. Bacterial Overgrowth
Water heaters are designed to maintain temperatures high enough to prevent the growth of Legionella, a potentially dangerous bacteria that thrives in lukewarm water. Frequently turning off your heater can lower the tank’s temperature to unsafe levels.
2. Increased Energy
While turning off the heater saves energy overnight, reheating the cooled water in the morning can sometimes use just as much energy (if not more). Your water heater has to work harder to raise the water temperature from a cold starting point.
3. Frozen Pipes
During colder Indiana winters, turning off your water heater can raise the risk of freezing water lines, especially in uninsulated or poorly heated areas of your home.
So, while you can turn off your water heater at night, doing so regularly may not be worth the small savings when you factor in these potential downsides.
Better Ways to Save on Utilities in Central & Northeast Indiana
Rather than turning off your water heater nightly, consider the following methods for cutting utility costs the safe way:
- Lower the thermostat: Turning your water heater down to 120º F from the factory-set 140º F can save you 6 – 10% annually on water heating costs.
- Install low-flow fixtures: Replacing old showerheads and faucets with low-flow models can cut your hot water usage by 15 – 60%.
- Wash clothes in cold water: About 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes toward heating water. Switching to cold water can save the average household up to $60 annually.
- Insulate your water heater and pipes: Adding an insulating jacket to your water heater can reduce standby heat losses by 15 – 45%, saving 7 – 16% annually on water heating.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient water heater: ENERGY STAR® certified units (especially tankless or hybrid models) use significantly less energy. These modern systems can save a family of four $100 – $300 per year, depending on usage.
- Fix leaks promptly: A single drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons per year, driving up both water and heating costs.
Choose Masters for Water Heater Energy Savings
If you’re serious about reducing your energy bills without compromising your comfort or safety, Masters is here to help. We offer professional water heater services across Central and Northeast Indiana, including water heater inspections, energy-efficient upgrades, and 24/7 emergency water heater repairs. Let our experienced team help you find smarter, safer ways to lower your energy expenses.
Schedule a water heater consultation with our team and start saving the right way today!
