Energy Efficiency Tips After a Water Heater Installation Service in Bellevue

Installing a new water heater in your home is a big step toward comfort and convenience. For Bellevue homeowners, a professional water heater installation service ensures the job is done safely and correctly. But once the new unit is installed, your responsibility doesn’t end there.

If you want to maximize your investment, it’s important to focus on energy efficiency. A water heater is one of the largest energy-consuming appliances in your home. By making smart adjustments and practicing efficient habits, you can reduce utility bills, extend the life of your system, and contribute to a greener environment.

In this guide, we’ll share practical energy efficiency tips you can use immediately after your water heater installation.

1. Set the Right Temperature

Most water heaters come pre-set at around 140°F. While this temperature ensures very hot water, it also consumes more energy than necessary.

• Optimal Setting: Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F provides more than enough hot water for daily needs.

• Benefits: This reduces energy use, prevents scalding, and slows mineral buildup inside the tank.

Ask your water heater installation service technician in Bellevue to help you adjust the settings if you’re unsure.

2. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes

Even new water heaters can lose heat through the tank and pipes. This is called “standby heat loss.”

• Insulating the Tank: Adding an insulating blanket around your tank (if it’s a traditional model) helps retain heat.

• Pipe Insulation: Insulating the first 6–10 feet of hot water pipes prevents heat loss as water travels to your taps.

This small step can improve efficiency and reduce energy waste significantly.

3. Use Water Efficiently

Energy efficiency after a water heater installation service isn’t just about the unit itself. It’s also about how you use water in your home.

Simple changes include:

• Taking shorter showers.

• Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.

• Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

These habits reduce the amount of hot water needed, lowering both water and energy bills.

4. Drain and Flush the Tank Regularly

If you installed a tank water heater, sediment buildup can affect performance and efficiency. Minerals in Bellevue’s water supply settle at the bottom of the tank over time.

• Flush Frequency: Experts recommend flushing your tank once a year to remove sediment.

• Benefit: This helps the heater run more efficiently and prevents wear and tear on the system.

Your installer may offer annual maintenance plans that include this service.

5. Install a Timer (for Electric Heaters)

If you own an electric water heater, a simple way to save energy is by adding a timer.

• Why It Works: The timer can shut off the heater during hours when hot water isn’t needed (such as overnight).

• Result: Reduced standby heating costs without sacrificing comfort.

Ask your Bellevue water heater installation service provider if a timer would work with your model.

6. Consider Adding a Hot Water Recirculation System

Do you wait a long time for hot water to reach your faucets? That’s wasted water and wasted energy.

A recirculation system keeps hot water moving through your pipes so it’s available instantly. While it does consume some energy, efficient systems are designed to minimize waste and provide convenience.

For larger Bellevue homes, this can be a valuable upgrade.

7. Use Cold Water When Possible

Not every task requires hot water. Switching to cold water for certain chores saves energy.

• Wash clothes in cold water unless heavily soiled.

• Rinse dishes with cold water when possible.

• Fill pet bowls or plants with cold tap water instead of warm.

These small adjustments add up to significant savings over time.

8. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Even the most energy-efficient water heaters lose performance if not properly maintained. To keep your system running at its best:

• Have your unit inspected annually.

• Replace anode rods in tank heaters every 3–5 years to prevent corrosion.

• Ensure tankless units are descaled regularly to avoid mineral buildup.

A professional water heater installation service in Bellevue often provides ongoing maintenance packages to help homeowners protect their investment.

9. Upgrade to Smart Controls

If your system supports it, adding smart controls can help you monitor energy use and adjust heating schedules.

• Benefits:

  • Remote control via smartphone apps.

  • Energy usage reports.

  • Ability to lower temperature when away from home.

Smart technology makes it easier to maintain efficiency without constant manual adjustments.

10. Think About Long-Term Efficiency

If you’ve recently upgraded to a tankless water heater, you’ve already taken a big step toward efficiency. Tankless systems only heat water when needed, which can save 20–30% more energy than traditional tanks.

For tank systems, pairing the water heater with solar water heating panels or using energy from a heat pump can also lower long-term costs. While these upgrades may not be immediate, they’re worth considering for future efficiency improvements.

Why Professional Installation Matters for Efficiency

No matter how efficient your new unit is, improper installation can waste energy. That’s why hiring a professional water heater installation service in Bellevue is so important.

Benefits of professional installation include:

• Correct sizing for your household’s needs.

• Proper venting and safety compliance.

• Optimal placement for energy efficiency.

• Secure connections to plumbing and power sources.

Simply put, a correctly installed system works better, lasts longer, and costs less to run.

Why Bellevue Homeowners Choose Green House Plumbing

At Green House Plumbing, we’ve helped Bellevue families with expert water heater installation service for over 25 years. Our experienced team provides:

• Installation of tank and tankless water heaters.

• Regular maintenance and flushing services.

• Plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, and sewer line work.

• Honest estimates and guaranteed workmanship.

We focus on delivering energy-efficient solutions that keep your home comfortable while lowering utility bills.

Final Thoughts

A new water heater is a valuable investment, but how you use and maintain it determines long-term performance and efficiency. By lowering the thermostat, insulating pipes, using water wisely, and keeping up with maintenance, Bellevue homeowners can maximize energy savings.

With the right care — and guidance from a trusted water heater installation service — you’ll enjoy reliable hot water, lower bills, and peace of mind for years to come.

If you’re ready to upgrade or need maintenance advice, contact Green House Plumbing today for expert service in Bellevue.