Water Saving
Water heating is the second-largest energy user in the average home. Homeowners can insulate pipes and adjust water heater temperatures, while those in apartments can be Power Smart by using water saving technologies and taking some easy, no-cost measures.
Water saving technologies
- Using a Power Smart showerhead saves up to 15% of your home's water use.
- Wrapping your older electric hot water tank with an insulating blanket can save up to 9% on your water heating costs.
- Look for Power Smart endorsed electric hot water tanks. Their superior design and insulation levels outperform standard tanks.
- Using faucet aerators can save up to 40% of the water used for hand washing. Leaky faucets can waste up to 13,000 litres of water per year per household.
Insulate to save
- Insulate your hot water pipes with pipe-wrap or foam.
- Insulate the three feet of pipe leading from the hot water tank.
- Insulate hot water pipes and heating ducts that run through unheated areas of your home.
- Check with the Gas Inspection Branch of BC or your gas utility for advice on what types of blankets are safe to use on gas or propane-fired water heaters. Be careful not to cover any venting areas on gas hot water tanks.
Recommended temperature settings
| Electric water heater | 60°C (140°F) |
| Gas water heater | 55°C (130°F) |
No-cost tips
- Take short showers rather than baths. A five minute shower uses about half as much water as a bath.
- Run your dishwasher and laundry appliances with full loads.
- Wash laundry with cold water whenever possible.
- Turn off taps completely. A dripping tap wastes a surprising amount of water as well as, for hot water, the energy used to heat it. Repair any leaky faucets.
Use only cold water when running a garbage disposal. This saves hot water and solidifies grease, which is then ground up and washed down the drain.
