1. Adjust the Thermostat for Optimal Performance

Lowering the Temperature Setting

Many water heaters are preset to 140°F (60°C), a temperature higher than necessary for most household activities. Reducing the thermostat to 120°F (49°C) can decrease energy consumption by 4-8%, translating to substantial annual savings. This adjustment not only conserves energy but also reduces the risk of scalding and slows mineral buildup within the tank. 

How to safely adjust the temperature

• Turn off power at the breaker for electric units or set the gas control to “pilot” before making any changes.
• For electric heaters, remove the access panel and use a flat-head screwdriver to dial the thermostat to 120°F; for gas models, adjust the temperature knob near the bottom of the tank to the “warm” or 120°F setting as indicated.
• ​Restore power or gas, wait several hours, then test hot water at a tap and fine-tune if needed while staying within safe temperature ranges and any local code requirements.
  

Key takeaway:  A simple thermostat adjustment is one of the easiest, lowest-cost ways to boost efficiency and safety at the same time.

If you are unsure about adjusting your water heater safely, schedule a quick thermostat check and safety review with a licensed technician at Kirkland & Shaw.

2. Insulate the Water Heater and Pipes

Reducing Heat Loss

Uninsulated water heater tanks and piping lose heat into basements and utility rooms, forcing the heater to cycle more often to maintain temperature. Adding an insulating blanket to older tanks and insulating the first several feet of hot and cold lines can improve comfort and yield an estimated 7–16% in annual water heating energy savings.

What you’ll need

• Water heater insulation blanket sized for your tank and rated for your fuel type.
• Foam or fiberglass pipe insulation sleeves that match your pipe diameter.
• Tape measure, utility knife or scissors, and appropriate tape to secure seams

Basic Installation Tips

• Measure the tank and cut the blanket so it wraps snugly without covering warning labels, burner access, or control panels.
• Wrap and tape the blanket in place, leaving top and bottom clear on gas units for proper combustion air and venting.
• Insulate at least the first 6 feet of both hot and cold pipes to reduce heat loss and help limit condensation in humid spaces.

Key takeaway: Properly installed insulation keeps more heat in the water where it belongs, reduces standby losses, and can help your system run quieter and more consistently.

For older tanks in drafty New England basements, Kirkland & Shaw can insulate your water heater and piping as part of a professional energy-efficiency tune-up.

3. Maintain and inspect components

Sediment and mineral deposits build up at the bottom of the tank over time, especially in areas with harder water, which are common in many Massachusetts communities. This buildup forces the heater to work harder, can create popping or rumbling noises, and may shorten tank life.

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Annual flushing routine

• Shut off power at the breaker for electric models or turn the gas control to “pilot” for gas water heaters.
• Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and route it to a floor drain or suitable outdoor area.
• Open the valve to drain the tank, then briefly open the cold-water supply to stir up remaining sediment and drain again until the water runs clear.
• Close the valve, refill the tank, and only restore power or gas once the tank is completely full to protect heating elements and burners.

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Checking the anode rod

The anode rod is a sacrificial component that attracts corrosive elements and protects the steel tank from rust. Inspecting it roughly every three years and replacing it when more than about half of the rod has been consumed can significantly extend the life of the heater.

Key takeaway:  Routine flushing and anode rod checks give your water heater a better chance to reach or exceed its expected service life.

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If you would rather not tackle draining the tank or pulling the anode rod yourself, book an annual water heater maintenance visit with Kirkland & Shaw and have a licensed plumber handle everything for you.

4. Use heat traps to cut losses

Hot water naturally rises and can slowly escape from the tank through the plumbing if there is no barrier, wasting heat even when no fixtures are running. Heat traps special fittings or piping loops on the hot and cold connections allow water to flow when taps are used but help block unwanted convection out of the tank.

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When properly installed, heat traps can substantially reduce standby heat loss, sometimes cutting this type of loss by as much as 60% depending on the system and usage. Many newer water heaters include heat traps from the factory, while older units may benefit from a retrofit if compatible with the existing piping and layout.

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Because heat trap installation requires working on pressurized water lines near the heater, professional installation is usually recommended to ensure correct orientation, leak-free joints, and compliance with local plumbing codes.

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Key takeaway:  Heat traps are a relatively low-visibility upgrade that can improve efficiency around the clock, particularly on older systems that lack built-in features.

Ask Kirkland & Shaw during your next service visit whether your current water heater has heat traps and if adding them could reduce standby losses in your home.

5. Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Water Heater

Even with careful maintenance, most conventional tank water heaters have a finite lifespan, and performance usually declines before a failure. If your heater is more than about 10 years old, shows rust or moisture around the base, makes persistent noise, or needs repeated repairs, it may be time to consider a high-efficiency replacement.

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High-efficiency options

• Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs): These models move heat from the surrounding air into the water rather than generating heat directly, and in suitable spaces they can be up to roughly four times as efficient as standard electric tanks.
• Tankless (on-demand) water heaters: By heating water only when a tap is opened, tankless units eliminate standby tank losses and can be up to about 34% more efficient for homes that use around 41 gallons or less of hot water per day.

The best choice depends on your home’s layout, electrical or gas capacity, hot water demand, and basement or utility room conditions common in New England houses. An in-home assessment by a licensed plumber can help match you with the right size and technology and provide accurate installation cost and payback estimates.

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Key takeaway: Replacing an aging or failing heater with a modern high-efficiency model can deliver meaningful utility savings and more consistent hot water, especially in colder climates.

If your water heater is aging or showing warning signs, contact Kirkland & Shaw to schedule an in-home evaluation and recommendations for high-efficiency replacement options tailored to your Boston-area home.