Keeping the gas water heater on pilot only.

[Kaleva]

Years ago when I was single, I found that for most of the week, I could keep the 40 gallon gas water heater I had on pilot and still have plenty of hot water for my purposes. I didn't have much dishwashing to do, I washed my clothes in cold water and my showers were short. Sundays I spent cooking the meals for the coming week and then I occasionally had to to turn the gas valve to on when I had a number of pots and pans to wash.

Since I didn't use much hot water, the pilot flame alone was enough to keep the water in the tank hot.

Just posting this so that other's who don't use much hot water and have a gas water heater with a standing pilot might want to give it a try.

[gimama]

1. wow, goood job!

I had a "tank-less" or "on-demand" water heater for years, that was awesome..
ran on propane,worked kinda like Your pilot only system.
They're big in Europe, very efficient & 'green'.. thanks for Your post!

[hunter]

2. I have teenagers. Our switch to "tankless" used more energy.

They used to be afraid of mom or dad stepping into the shower and the hot water running out.

With the tankless water heater they are fearless and stay in the shower as long as they want to.

[Strelnikov_]

3. Just can't seem to beat Jevon, can we n/t

[gimama]

4. ha! "fearless teenagers"!

Simultaneously terrifyin' & BEAUTIFUL.

but yeah, I get Your point!

[Kaleva]

6. If possible, install a tank water heater for the kids bathroom(s).

Use the tankless heater for the master bathroom, laundry room and kitchen.

[DesertFlower]

5. my water heater is electric. it's

set to the lowest level. in fact, my whole house runs on electric including my septic system and well pump. i love electric.

[Kaleva]

7. Electric is cheaper then LP gas where I live.

Altough tankless electric water heaters don't have the capacity to provide enough hot water for an average size family.

[Bitwit1234]

8. We have hot water steam heat

First I live in northern Minnesota and since we moved into this house, it is the first time I have stayed warm really. The hot water heat is terrific. We do use more water cause of the heat, but it is way cheaper than our electric hot water and gas water at the other two places we lived.

[silverweb]

9. Yup. I do the same thing.

In the summer, pilot-temp water is even fine for showers. This time of year, I turn it up for about an hour before I shower, though, and then back down to pilot. It definitely saves a bundle on the energy.

:thumbsup: