Emergency Service Unit: (869) 469-9100 or (869) 662-5811
Mon - Fri: 8.00am - 4.00pm

Hot Water Heating Tips

The Nevis Electricity Company Limited is the sole provider of electricity on the island of Nevis.

Check the Temperature

Have a qualified person check the temperature. Most manufacturers recommend setting it between 49-60°C (140°F). Any higher is probably wasteful and may produce water that is too hot at the tap.

Fix Leaky Taps

A tap dripping at one drop per second wastes 800 litres of water per month. In most cases, a worn out washer is the culprit. New washers are relatively cheap, and they can be replaced in minutes with a simple wrench and screwdriver.

Use Faucet Aerators

Install faucet aerators on your sink faucets to lower water flow. Aeratyourors mix air into the water flow and reduce water consumption by 25 – 50% per tap. Check to see whether aerators can be threaded onto taps.

Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Insulate at least the first three feet of pipe leading to and from the hot water tank with tape wrap or snap-on foam pipe tubing. Both are easy do-it-yourself jobs. With both types, the insulation should be a minimum of 13 mm thick to be effective. Plastic pipes shouldn’t be wrapped – the extra warmth might soften them.

Wash Your Clothes for Less

Use cold water washing wherever possible. And always set your washer to rinse with cold water. Cold water rinsing can save you enough energy for about 220 showers per year. When you do use hot water washing, be sure to set the water level to match the load. Remove and clean the washer’s agitator once a month. Clean the filters of both water hose inlets on the back of the machine once a year.

Looking for a New Washing Machine?

It pays to read the EnerGuide label and comparison shop for the most energy efficient model. Remember, the lower the kWh rating, the better the efficiency. Appliances last for many years, and the “second price tag”, the cost of running the appliance, can add up to more than the initial purchase price. So use the EnerGuide label to help you shop smart.

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