Hot water costs add up quietly. It’s one of the biggest chunks of a household’s energy bill, and most of that cost comes from waste you never actually see, water heated but never used, heat lost through an old tank, or a fixture running longer than it needs to.
The good news is that cutting those costs doesn’t mean colder showers or less comfort. The goal isn’t using less hot water. It’s making sure you’re not heating more than necessary or losing heat you already paid for. A few practical changes, most of them small, can make a real difference without touching your daily routine.
1. Install Efficient Showerheads and Faucets
Showers are one of the largest regular uses of hot water in many homes.
A quality low-flow showerhead can reduce the amount of heated water you use while still providing good pressure and comfort. Water-efficient faucets and aerators can also help in bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Be Careful With Water Heater Temperature
Lowering the water heater temperature may sound like an easy energy-saving measure, but it should be done carefully.
BC Hydro recommends keeping water heater temperature between approximately 60°C and 65°C. Its guidance notes that sufficiently hot stored water helps prevent bacterial growth, while avoiding unnecessarily high temperatures can help control energy use.
If water at the taps feels too hot, an appropriate mixing valve can help control delivery temperature. Rather than significantly turning down the tank thermostat yourself, it is better to have the system checked if you are unsure whether it is set correctly.
3. Insulate Accessible Hot Water Pipes
Once water is heated, some of that heat can be lost as it travels through your plumbing.
Pipe insulation can help reduce this heat loss, particularly where hot water lines run through:
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Garages
- Mechanical rooms
- Long piping runs
This can be especially useful in larger Greater Victoria homes where bathrooms or kitchens are located far from the water heater.
4. Fix Hot Water Leaks Promptly
A dripping hot water faucet wastes both water and the energy used to heat it. Common problems include:
- Dripping faucets
- Leaking shower valves
- Tub spouts that will not fully shut off
- Worn cartridges
- Hidden plumbing leaks
Even a small leak can add up because it continues around the clock.
5. Consider How Long You Wait for Hot Water
If you regularly run the tap for a long time before hot water arrives, the plumbing layout may be contributing to wasted water.
Long distances between the water heater and fixtures mean more cooled water must leave the pipe before hot water reaches the tap.
This is worth considering during:
- Bathroom renovations
- Kitchen renovations
- Additions
- Garden suite construction
- New home construction
More direct hot water piping can improve both efficiency and convenience.
6. Recirculation Can Help — If It Is Properly Controlled
Hot water recirculation systems can reduce the wait for hot water at distant fixtures, but they are not automatically more energy-efficient.
A continuously operating system can increase heat loss by keeping water hot throughout the piping. For many homes, a better approach is demand-controlled recirculation that only runs the pump when hot water is needed.
Demand-based recirculation is an option for reducing wasted water associated with long hot water distribution runs.
Controls may include:
- Timers
- Temperature sensors
- Push buttons
- Motion sensors
- Demand controls
Whether recirculation makes sense depends on the size and layout of your home. It may offer more benefit in a larger Saanich, Oak Bay or West Shore property than in a compact Victoria bungalow.
7. Maintain Your Hot Water Tank
Conventional hot water tanks are reliable, but they still need periodic inspection and maintenance.
Depending on the system, this may include checking:
- The tank for corrosion
- Piping connections
- Shut-off valves
- Temperature and pressure relief components
- Mixing valves
- Anode rods
- Sediment accumulation
Watch for warning signs such as rusty water, leaks around the base of the tank, unusual noises or declining hot water capacity.
Our guide on how to extend the life of your water heater covers additional maintenance tips.
8. Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance Too
Tankless water heaters avoid storing a full tank of heated water, but they are not maintenance-free. Regular servicing may include:
- Flushing or descaling the heat exchanger
- Cleaning filters
- Inspecting venting
- Checking valves and connections
- Servicing gas components where applicable
FortisBC’s natural gas appliance maintenance guidance recommends regular attention to water heater components and keeping air intake and venting areas clear.
FortisBC also currently includes eligible tankless water heater servicing in its appliance maintenance rebate program, although homeowners should always check current eligibility before booking service.
9. Don’t Assume Tankless Is Always the Best Choice
Tankless water heaters can be an excellent option, but they are not ideal for every home. The right system depends on:
- Household hot water demand
- Number of occupants
- Gas or electrical capacity
- Plumbing layout
- Available space
- Installation cost
FortisBC notes that tankless water heaters heat water only as it is needed, but the heating capacity of the unit still needs to match the home’s peak hot water demand.
When your existing water heater reaches the end of its life, compare the full range of options rather than assuming tankless is automatically the most efficient or economical choice.
Small Improvements Can Add Up
Reducing hot water costs does not have to mean colder showers or major renovations.
Often, the best savings come from eliminating waste through simple improvements such as:
- Efficient fixtures
- Fixing leaks
- Pipe insulation
- Proper temperature control
- Smarter recirculation
- Regular water heater maintenance
If your water heater is aging, your hot water takes too long to arrive, or your household regularly runs out of hot water, it may be worth having the system assessed.
HomeWise Plumbing & Drainage provides hot water system service and plumbing repairs throughout Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, the West Shore, Sooke and surrounding communities.
If you want to improve hot water efficiency or have your system inspected, contact our experienced Plumbers in Victoria BC to arrange service.