Water heaters

Smart ways to save energy and money with water heating

The hotter the shower, the higher the bill. The energy it takes to heat up your water is what’s charged on your electric bill, so it pays to cool off.

On this page: 

• Temperature recommendations
• When to replace
• Heat pump water heaters
• Rebates

Although the cost varies depending on whether your water is gas or electrically heated, the average B.C. household uses nearly $250 worth of electricity every year to keep the hot water flowing.

Water heater temperature recommendations

Your water heater is one of the most important components of your plumbing system, and ensuring it's set to the right temperature will help you stay safe and manage your energy costs.

Water heater temperature should be between 60ºC (140ºF) and 65ºC (147ºF). The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the hot water setting should be at a minimum of 60ºC to prevent the growth of bacteria. But try to keep the temperature under 65ºC to help manage your electricity bill.

When your water heater is first installed, the plumber usually sets the water temperature. If the temperature on your water heater was set too high, consider adjusting it. You can save 13% on your electricity bill by reducing your electric hot water heater temperature by 6°C, which can amount to over $50 in savings per year.

The risk of scalding can be prevented by installing a mixing valve between your hot water tank and your fixtures, which will control the temperature at faucets and showerheads to a maximum of 49ºC. It’s most cost effective to add the mixing valve right off the top of your water heater, which requires professional installation.

When to upgrade your water heater

A water heater typically has a 10- to 15-year lifespan, then it’s time to replace it. Make sure you replace it with an energy-efficient model. An ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heater can use 50% less energy than a standard, older model.

You can find your water heater’s age by locating the serial number near the manufacturer’s label. The serial number can be searched on the manufacturer’s website to determine when the water heater was built.

If you're in the market for a new electric water heater, get an idea of what size and wattage you’ll need with our hot water tank sizing guide [PDF, 18 KB].

Heat pump water heaters

Time to upgrade your water heater? Check out heat pump water heater technology.

According to Energy Star, a heat pump water heater could save a four-person household over 50% on their water heating bills, paying back its additional cost in just over two years.

How heat pump water heaters work

• Just like a heat pump, a heat pump water heater doesn’t generate heat, it moves heat from one place to another. A heat pump water heater captures heat from your home’s ambient air and transfers it into a hot water tank.
• They also have a built-in back-up electric heating system for high-demand periods, just like heat pumps.
• They feature different operating modes such as maximum efficiency, high demand and even a vacation mode that puts the system to sleep while you’re away.