How Often Should You Flush a Water Heater?
In NJ's hard water, once a year isn't optional—it's the difference between a heater that lasts 8 years and one that lasts 12.
Read more →9 Ways to Save Money on Water Heating
Water heating is often the second-biggest energy cost in a home. Here are nine ways to trim it—some free, some worth the investment.
Water heating typically accounts for a sizable share of a home's energy use—often second only to heating and cooling. The good news: several proven changes can cut that cost, ranging from free tweaks to upgrades that pay for themselves.
Free or nearly free
- Set the thermostat to 120°F. Many units ship at 140°F, which wastes energy and risks scalding.
- Fix dripping hot-water faucets—a slow drip wastes heated water around the clock.
- Take slightly shorter showers and run full loads of laundry and dishes.
- Insulate the first few feet of hot-water pipe coming off the heater.
Small investments
- Add a water-heater blanket to older, poorly insulated tanks.
- Install low-flow showerheads and aerators.
- Flush the tank annually so the burner runs efficiently—book maintenance.
Dropping from 140°F to 120°F alone can shave several percent off your water-heating cost and cut scald risk for kids and seniors.
Bigger upgrades that pay off
- Upgrade to a tankless unit to eliminate standby losses.
- Switch to a hybrid heat pump heater for up to ~70% lower operating cost.
The maintenance multiplier
A neglected, sediment-filled tank can cost noticeably more to run than a clean one delivering the same hot water. Annual maintenance is the cheapest 'upgrade' there is—it keeps whatever unit you own running at its best.
Want a tailored plan?
We'll look at your current unit and usage and tell you which of these moves will save you the most. Call 973-834-8833.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should my water heater be set to?
120°F is the sweet spot for most homes—efficient, hot enough, and safer against scalding than the 140°F many units default to.
Does a tankless heater really lower bills?
Yes—by eliminating the standby energy a tank uses to keep water hot 24/7. Savings are biggest in homes with moderate, spread-out hot-water use.
Need a hand from a licensed NJ water heater pro? Hot Water NJ installs, repairs, and replaces every type of water heater across Northern New Jersey—usually same day. Call 973-834-8833 or request a free estimate below.