Working in association
with the Arctic Energy Alliance, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation
continues to advise customers on the subject of energy efficiency.
Customers who install
energy efficiency measures or become more energy wise in their everyday
living habits, will not only see a reduction in their electricity bill,
but they will also be helping the corporation achieve one of its objectives
of working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For many customers
about 50% of their monthly electricity bill is for the electricity purchased
to operate their hot water tank.
What do we know
about hot water tanks?
- Most electric
hot water tanks are 40 gallons (180 litres) and have a 2kW (kilowatt)
element installed.
- To heat a 40
gallon tank of cold water to say 131 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees
Celsius) using a 2kW element takes about 6 hours. (The rule of thumb
is, 1 kW element heats 40 gallons in 12 hours). This would require
purchasing 12 kilowatt hours of electricity which is calculated as
follows:
2kW x 6hrs = 12 kWhs
Assuming a monthly billing period of 30 days, and assuming customers
require one tank of hot water per day, customers would purchase about
360 kWhs per month.
- Because hot water
tanks have a thermostat built-in, the tank's element only draws electricity
when the temperature of the water drops below the thermostat setting.
- The recommended
temperature for a hot water tank is 131 degrees Fahrenheit. If the
temperature is set any lower, customers run the risk of their water
developing unhealthy symptoms and if the temperature is set higher,
customers will purchase and pay for more electricity than they need
to.
Some energy efficiency
measures which customers might like to consider -
- Customers can
effect savings by installing a timer to control when the element inside
the hot water tank operates. It is inefficient and costly to have
the element turning on and off throughout the day. If installing a
timer, try setting it to turn on from 11.00pm to 7.00am each day.
Providing the tank has a 2 kW element this will allow enough time
to heat 40 gallons to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fit an insulation
wrap around the hot water tank to prevent heat and energy loss which
will ensure that the water stays hotter for longer.
- Insulate the
hot water pipe that comes out of your tank - again this will not only
reduce heat loss but it will also help to reduce your hot water running
costs.
- Check the flow
of water when your shower is operating at normal temperature. If it
is flowing at more than 9 litres per minute then fitting a more efficient
shower head could be considered.
- Set the thermostat
that regulates the element to a temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other aspects of electricity use can also be targeted. Energy efficient
lighting, the use of a timer when heating the engine block of a motor
vehicle, replacement of old or worn out door seals on appliances such
as the fridge, freezer and stove and regularly cleaning the air filter
on the clothes dryer could all help to improve the overall energy
efficiency of most households.
For more advice
on energy efficiency measures contact your local NWT Power Corporation
office and check out the web sites of the corporation (www.ntpc.com)
and the Arctic Energy Alliance (www.aea.nt.ca).
(Please note
- before connecting a timer to your water tank please consult your electrician)
