High RG&E Bills in Webster? Your Water Heater Could Be the Reason
Hi, I’m Nate—owner of NDL Plumbing & Electrical, and I’ve seen this more times than I can count in homes across Webster.
If your RG&E energy bills have been increasing lately, your water heater might be the culprit.
It doesn’t have to be leaking or broken to cause problems. Sometimes it’s just running inefficiently, and that’s costing you more money every month.
Let’s talk about what could be going on—and what you can do about it.
It’s Still Heating… But It’s Working Overtime
Most folks think, “If I’m still getting hot water, my water heater must be fine.”
The truth? Older or struggling heaters can stay just functional enough to fool you—but they’re pulling more energy to do the same job they used to.
Here’s why:
- Sediment Buildup: Hard water leaves behind minerals. Over time, this builds up in the tank, forcing your heater to work harder and longer to maintain the same water temperature.
- Worn-Out Heating Elements: In electric models, old or damaged elements don’t heat efficiently, and in gas models, a clogged burner or pilot can cause heat loss.
- Failing Insulation: If the tank isn’t holding heat well, it constantly reheats water, even when it’s not in use.
That’s money literally going down the drain.
Electric or Gas, It All Adds Up in Webster
Whether your unit is gas or electric, RG&E tracks your energy use.
A struggling water heater often runs more cycles, drawing more power or gas than it should.
If your usage looks the same—but your bill’s higher—your heater might be the silent culprit.
Warning Signs It’s Costing You Too Much
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call someone:
- Your hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to
- You hear popping or rumbling sounds from the tank
- You notice rusty or cloudy water
- Your energy bills have slowly crept up over the past 3–6 months
I’ve helped homeowners all over Webster replace, flush, or repair these systems—usually saving them hundreds over the year.
What I Recommend
If your water heater is over 8–10 years old, let’s take a look.
Sometimes a simple flush or a new thermostat solves it.
At other times, I’ll recommend replacing it with a high-efficiency model that pays for itself through lower RG&E bills.
I’ll never sell you something you don’t need. I’ll explain what’s going on, show you your options, and fix it right the first time.
Live in Webster and worried about high energy bills?
Let me take a look at your water heater. It might be the easiest way to start saving.
