Seasonal Hot Water Usage Patterns: What to Expect & How to Prepare 

Why does hot water usage change throughout the year?  

Just like the seasons change every year, so too does your water heater demand. Things like outdoor temperature, household routines and seasonal activities can all contribute to water heater strain and increased hot water electricity usage. 

Baby, it’s cold outside 

When the outside temperatures are colder, your water heater needs to work both harder and longer to bring that cold inlet water to hot water temperature. When outdoor temperatures are more moderate, it takes less effort to heat the water. 

With the holidays and all… 

From summer cookouts to holiday parties, additional guests (or multiple showers in a day) increase water heater demand. If you couple the holidays and increased house traffic with the colder temperatures mentioned above, you could see a spike in your hot water electricity usage. 

We’re talking about practice? 

Sports schedules can also push your water heater into overtime. From increases in laundry to extra after-practice showers, when your house is “in-season,” your water heater is in the game longer every day. 

Why does hot water usage increase during winter months?  

When you’re freezing cold from being outside, nothing hits quite like a hot shower. But that’s not the only reason why hot water usage increases in the winter. It’s also because colder inlet water requires a longer heating cycle and higher wattage draw.  

Death, taxes and water heater wattage 

You can count on your water heater usage increasing by 15-25% in the winter months. What contributes to this increase? Things like more layers of clothes making more laundry and generally being more housebound during the winter months. It can add up fast. 

A little prep goes a long way 

If you know winter is going to be tough on your water heater, why not do yourself a solid with some easy maintenance in the fall? We’ve put together some easy winter prep tips to keep your water heater running through the holidays with maximum efficiency. 

Winter Prep Tips for Water Heating Systems – Rheem Manufacturing Company  

Why is hot water demand usually lower in summer?  

Instead of fighting Mother Nature like in the winter, the summer months are traditionally easier on your water heater. 

Helping hand 

Warmer temperatures in the summer ensure that inlet water temperatures take less effort to heat up. With shorter heating cycles, your water heater can recover faster. 

Set up for success 

With warmer outdoor temperatures, homeowners can also adjust heat pump settings for summer. Lower thermostat settings are often sufficient – and unnoticed by your family – in the summer months. 

How do holidays and household changes affect hot water usage?  

You have to pay for those parties. And, while it’s nice to have everyone home for the holidays, be prepared for high hot water demand. In fact, average households report usage spikes of 20-40% during the holidays.  

Several things contribute to these spikes. More frequent showers, cooking and cleaning, to name a few. And, with these spikes in activity, tank systems tend to struggle more to recover between uses. 

One way to deal with these seasonal spikes is by converting to a heat pump water heater. Heat pumps are more efficient, combating high spikes in water heater electricity usage. Not only does a heat pump lower your power consumption, but it also mitigates the risk of running out of hot water with a house full of guests. 

Home for the Holidays – High Hot Water Demand – Rheem Manufacturing Company  

How should homeowners prepare their water heater for seasonal changes?  

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You know that the changing of seasons is going to present different challenges for your water heater. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that total comfort is achieved year-round. 

Summer Service 

• When the outdoor temperatures heat up, your grill is the only thermostat you should be looking at. Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F during warmer months to save energy without sacrificing comfort. 

• Summer is also a good time to inspect for leaks and visible wear. It’s much easier to service or replace your water heater when the outdoor elements aren’t creating additional challenges. 

• Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment. You’ll be glad you did when your water heater is under additional strain in the fall and winter months. 

Winter Prep 

• Cold exposure is always a problem. One way to beat the big freeze is to insulate exposed hot water pipes. It’s a simple step that can save you in the long run 

• Just like humans, old water heaters tend to have less heat retention. It’s recommended to insulate the tank as well for older units. 

• When Mother Nature delivers a chill you just can’t shake, some homeowners turn up the heat. Be careful not to set your water heater above 140°F to reduce scald risk. Trust us, it’s not worth it. 

FAQ  

Q: Does a water heater use more electricity in winter? 
A: Yes. Colder inlet water requires a longer heating cycle, increasing energy usage. 

Q: What temperature should my water heater be set to in summer? 
A: Around 120°F is typically sufficient for comfort and efficiency.  

Q: Why does my hot water run out faster during cold weather? 
A: The heater needs more time and energy to raise colder incoming water to the set temperature.  

Q: Can seasonal changes shorten my water heater’s lifespan? 
A: Without maintenance, increased winter strain can accelerate wear on components.  

Q: Is pipe insulation really necessary? 
A: Insulating exposed pipes helps reduce heat loss and improves recovery time, especially in winter.