Water Heater/Conservation Help!!!

Hi,
First your hot water heater is probably in need of a cleaning/flushing. You will need to turn it off and empty the whole thing out. Here is a link on how to do it: http://www.cbnbh2o.com/tips/heater.html It will clean all of the sediment and junk that builds up in the hot water heater over time. That is your cheaper option. You could also look into getting you hot water moved into your attic centralized in the house. You would need a plumber for this. He could tell you if that is an option. The most expensive option would be to look at getting an in-line hot water system (also called an instant hot water system). They can be very expensive. The big plus is that it only heats water when you need it. You might want to call around, as there are not a lot of people that install these systems yet. They are new to the American market. Do your homework, because some of the systems are make more for hospitals and commercial use, and don't work as well in a residential use.

where do the water pipes run, under the house or in the attic? you need to make sure they are also wrapped in insulation and you can also wrap the hot water heater with an insulation wrap which will help keep your water hot! also what is your temperature set on? one more thing, make sure your hot water heater is not sitting on the ground, if nothing else just put it on a block! good luck!

Have you looked into an on demand hot water heater or a solar hot water heater? Both are very energy efficient, and work just as well, if not better than traditional methods. I believe that they are also very affordable. Just a thought...

I saw this on the DIY channel a while back, but can't remember the name of the system they installed under both the kitchen sink and in the bathroom. The system made it to where there was almost instant hot water at the farthest point from the water heater and it didn't make a difference with a gas or electric heater. They were installing it to save water and money. I'm sure that if you look on the DIY website or were to pose the question to Lowes or Home Depot, they would have the kit, parts and know-how to get you pointed in the right direction.