Water Heating
Tips to save on hot water
Most homes use 225 litres of hot water every day. From enjoying a hot shower to running the dishwasher, hot water makes life at home more comfortable and convenient. As water heating is your home’s second highest energy expense, these energy-saving tips can help lower your bill without sacrificing comfort.
Natural gas advantages and how your home uses hot water
Natural gas has many advantages
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Safe, abundant and affordable.
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Heats water twice as fast as electricity.
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Stable, all-day low pricing.
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Reliable supply, even during a power outage.
How your home uses hot water
Source: NRCAN
Easy no-cost tips
Simple changes in habit are the easiest ways to save.
- Save with showers. A five-minute shower uses half the water of a bath.
- Always wait for a full load before running your dishwasher or washing machine.
- Turn the water down or off while you wash dishes, shave or brush your teeth.
- Wash clothes in cold water to save energy and keep your clothes lasting longer.
- Set your water heater’s thermostat at 52ºC for optimal savings and comfort.
- Going away? Set your water heater to vacation mode or lower the temperature a few degrees.
- Keep the air intakes on your water heater’s tank free from dust, lint and debris.
- Get a better understanding of your home’s energy usage by signing in to My Account.
DIY low-cost tips
Even small investments can lead to substantial savings.
- Fix leaky faucets—a slight drip can fill two and a half bathtubs (800 litres) over a month.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to cut hot water use in half without sacrificing pressure.
- Insulate the first two metres of water pipes, but keep pipe wrap at least 15 cm clear of the exhaust vent.
Long-term investments
Replacing an appliance? Go high efficiency.
- Look for an ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher— compared to a standard model, you’ll save nearly 15,000 litres of water over its lifetime.
- Choose front-loading washing machines. ENERGY STAR® certified models use 33 percent less water than standard units.
- Install a drain water heat recovery system. It pre-heats the cold water feeding your water heater which can reduce energy costs by 30 percent.
- For older models, install heat traps to save energy—most newer models have them already installed.
Get rebates for water heaters and more
Start with a home energy assessment, then get rebates if you complete at least two energy-smart upgrades.
See all rebatesPlease note: Enbridge Gas does not sell, service, or repair water heaters, furnaces or any other appliances. If you require service, you’ll need to find a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor for repairs and maintenance. Check the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) or the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRA) for certified contractors.
Buying a new water heater? Keep energy efficiency in mind
Tankless vs. storage?
Tankless water heaters
They save energy by only heating water when it’s needed.
Cost: $$
Life expectancy: 20+ years
- Provides hot water instantly.
- More efficient than water heaters with tanks.
- Small and wall-mounted to save space.
- May require higher installation costs.
High-efficiency tank water heaters
They’re more efficient than standard tank water heaters and better insulated.
Cost: $
Life expectancy: 15+ years
- A more affordable option.
- Use eight percent less energy compared to standard models.
- Tank sizes vary to suit your need.
- Requires continous energy to heat water in the tank.
Buying tips
- Look for the Energy Factor (EF) rating—the higher the rating, the greater the efficiency.
- Choose ENERGY STAR® certified models as they are certified to meet strict energy-efficiency standards.
- Consider the second price tag—energy costs over a unit’s lifetime are greater than the purchase price.
- Get at least three estimates from licensed HVAC contractors—see tips for choosing a contractor.
Should you rent or own your water heater?
Rent
- Ongoing monthly payments.
- Includes installation, maintenance and service.
- Option to upgrade capacity to accommodate changing needs.
Own
- One-time cost instead of ongoing monthly payments.
- Responsible for installation, maintenance and service.