By Nate, Owner of NDL Plumbing & Electrical
Electric Water Heater Efficiency Monroe County, NY | Cut RG&E Bills
If you’ve been scratching your head over sky-high Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) bills in Monroe County, I want to bring to your attention something that most people overlook: your electric water heater.
It might be hidden in your basement, humming quietly — but that thing could be eating up more power than anything else in your home.
It’s often the second-largest energy consumer after your HVAC system.
And when it’s old or inefficient? It drains your wallet every single month.
The Silent Culprit Behind Your Rising Energy Costs
Electric water heaters don’t show wear the way a furnace or AC might.
However, just because it still provides hot water doesn’t mean it’s running efficiently.
Here’s what could be going wrong:
- Sediment buildup: Over time, minerals from our hard Monroe County water settle at the bottom of the tank. This layer acts like insulation, forcing your heater to work harder and longer to warm your water.
- Worn-out heating elements: If even one of your elements is partially failing, the tank will struggle to keep up, running non-stop just to maintain temperature.
- Outdated insulation: Older models simply don’t hold heat well. They lose warmth faster, which triggers the unit to cycle on more often—even when you’re not using hot water.
All of this shows up in one place: your RG&E bill.
How Much Are You Losing?
Let’s put it in real numbers.
If your electric water heater is 10+ years old, you could be spending $25 to $50 more per month compared to a newer high-efficiency model.
That’s $300 to $600 per year, just slipping away because your tank’s working harder than it needs to.
And the worst part? You’re paying more while still getting lukewarm water, longer wait times, and more stress on the system.
When Efficiency Drops, So Does Safety
When electric water heaters run continuously, the risk of overheating increases.
I’ve seen overheated tanks damage wiring, trip breakers, and even lead to small electrical fires.
If your heater feels too hot to touch, or if you notice a burnt smell near the unit, that’s a serious red flag.
Please don’t ignore it.
What You Can Do About It
If you’re in Rochester, Greece, Webster, Penfield, Henrietta — anywhere in Monroe County — and your electric bill keeps climbing, it’s time to take a look at that water heater.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Inspection: I’ll check your tank’s performance, age, and internal parts.
- Efficiency testing: We’ll verify that your heating elements and thermostat are functioning properly.
- Replacement consultation: If your unit is past its prime, I’ll walk you through modern, high-efficiency options that fit your usage and budget.
A newer electric water heater heats water faster, holds heat longer, and uses up to 30% less energy.
Some models even qualify for rebates or tax credits — I’ll help you figure that out too.
Don’t Let Your Water Heater Drain Your Wallet
I’ve helped a lot of families across Monroe County bring their electric bills back under control by replacing outdated water heaters with newer, smarter systems.
The difference is immediate — in comfort, savings, and peace of mind.
If you’re tired of surprise RG&E bills, let’s find out if your water heater is to blame.
Call me, Nate, at NDL Plumbing & Electrical. I’ll give you straight answers and honest options — no pressure, no upsell. Just solutions that make sense for your home.
