Consume less with a hot water tank: the tip to know

In these times of energy sobriety, every gesture counts to reduce energy consumption, particularly electricity. One of them concerns the hot water tank and its temperature. Lowering the latter is also a government recommendation. A tip that saves energy for lower bills. So, what temperature should you set your water heater to and how to do it? What other advice can you apply to consume less with a hot water tank? We take stock.

Did you know that the water heater is a major source of energy expenditure for households ? According to Engie“a water heater consumes 800 kWh(1) of electricity per person per year”, which makes the hot water tank a device as energy-intensive as heating. It is therefore important to optimize consumption to reduce your energy bill.

Energy savings: how to consume less with a hot water tank?

Several techniques exist for reduce the energy consumption of your water heaterfirst of all choose the right size.

Choosing the size of your water heater, an important criterion

To avoid wasting energy, it is important to choose a hot water tank the size of which is adapted to that of your home and your daily uses. If the water heater tank is too small, then you will quickly find yourself running out of hot water and above all, it will heat continuously which will lead to excess electricity consumption. If, on the other hand, it is too large compared to your real needs, the production of hot water will require more energy than necessary, resulting in a higher bill than it should have been.

To help you choose a water heater size suited to the composition of your household, it is estimated that an average adult needs 50 liters of hot water per day. A child uses approximately 25 liters of heated water.

Another important criterion to take into account to save energy with your hot water tank: its temperature.

How to adjust the temperature of the hot water tank?

The cumulus of a water heater provides hot water at any time of the day. How does it work? By detecting the temperature of the water contained in the tank, in order to heat it if necessary, and before you need it. It is therefore important toindicate the correct temperature to your water heater thermostatso that it does not work too much.

Engie recommends adjusting the thermostat of the device between 50 and 55 degrees. For what reasons? Because below 50°C, certain bacteria such as Legionnaires’ disease or salmonella can proliferate. Above 55 degrees you risk burning yourself and the water temperature will therefore be unnecessarily too high.

By adjusting the temperature of the cumulus between 50 and 55°C, you optimize its energy consumption.

Also think about carry out regular descaling of the resistance of your water heaterin order to avoid operating errors. Too much scale on the resistance could cause the device to trip unnecessarily. You will also keep your hot water tank longer.

Also read – Heating: this essential gesture for a properly heated home

The importance of programming your water heater during off-peak hours

To save electricity, it is also important to choose the right time to turn on your cumulus. If you have a dual rate option with your electricity meter, it is then interesting to schedule the operation of your water heater during off-peak hours, the period when the kWh rate is the most advantageous.

Off-peak hours correspond to times when electricity demand is lower, namely: between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or during the afternoon. To benefit from this, your hot water tank must be equipped with a Day/Night contactor allowing the programming of automatic operating times.

Finally, insulation of the hot water tank is also a good way to reduce energy consumption.

Also read – Linky meter: this clever function to know to save electricity

Insulating a hot water tank: why and how?

Although modern water heaters already benefit from significant insulation, it is always possible to improve this to limit heat loss, especially if the device is located in an unheated room, such as a garage. For example.

To insulate the tank of a hot water tankstart by measuring its dimensions, then equip yourself with insulation based on these measurements. You can, among other things, opt for a roll of thermoreflector or mineral wool. Cut the insulation to go around the water inlet and outlet pipes. Then attach the pieces of insulation with adhesive, taking care to unroll it along the entire length of the connections.

The same goes for piping supplying your home with drinking water, itself responsible for thermal losses. Insulating it saves energy.

Finally, if you have to be away for a long time, prefer to turn off your water heater to restart it as soon as you return. Enough to prevent it from working and consuming electricity unnecessarily.

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