Pittsburgh families are no strangers to rising costs—electricity prices in Pennsylvania have surged almost 50% since 2020, climbing from around 13 cents per kWh to nearly 19.5 cents today. While HVAC and electrical units often get the spotlight, plumbing systems quietly account for 12–18% of your home’s total electricity use, especially through water heaters, well pumps and circulation systems. At Gillece Services, your local experts in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical, we’re revealing proven ways to optimize your plumbing-related electrical consumption and keep more money in your pocket.
- Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Water Heater
Your water heater is likely the second-largest electricity user in your Pittsburgh home—especially in older neighborhoods like Highland Park, Greenfield or South Side Flats, where 20+ year-old electric tanks are common.
- Traditional electric tanks operate at 90–95% efficiency but run constantly to maintain 50–60 gallons of hot water.
- Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) use 60–70% *less* electricity by pulling heat from the air. With federal tax credits and Pennsylvania rebates, payback can be possible in under 3 years.
- Tankless (on-demand) electric models eliminate standby loss entirely—ideal for smaller households or point-of-use applications.
Gillece Service offers water heater assessments. We’ll size the right unit for your family and ensure your electrical panel can support it safely.
- Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Most electric water heaters are factory-set to 140°F—far hotter than needed. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120°F for most homes.
- Each 10°F reduction saves 3–5% on water heating costs.
- At Pittsburgh’s current rates, that’s an average of $25–40 saved per year per degree drop.
Bonus: Lower temps reduce scald risk and extend heater life. Gillece technicians can adjust your thermostat during routine maintenance.
- Insulate Hot Water Pipes and the Tank
Uninsulated pipes in cold Pittsburgh basements lose heat rapidly—forcing your electric water heater to work harder.
- Pipe insulation sleeves (R-3 or higher) cost under $2 per foot and pay for themselves in months.
- A water heater blanket (R-6 to R-10) cuts standby loss by 25–45%.
In homes with long pipe runs—like Pittsburgh’s classic three-story Victorians—this simple upgrade can save $50–100 annually.
- Fix Leaks and Reduce Hot Water Waste
A single dripping hot water faucet wastes 200+ gallons per month—and the electricity to heat it.
- One drip per second = $15–20/month in wasted energy at current PA rates.
- Leaky toilets? A running flapper can waste 200 gallons/day—all reheated at your expense.
Gillece uses thermal imaging and pressure testing to find hidden waste. Most leaks are fixed on the same day of service, depending on the circumstances the technician faces.
- Install Low-Flow Fixtures and Smart Plumbing Tech
Modern plumbing upgrades slash both water and electricity bills:
| Fixture | Water Savings | Electricity Savings (via less heating) |
|--------|----------------|---------------------------------------|
| Low-flow showerhead (1.5 GPM) | 40–60% | $40–70/year |
| Dual-flush toilet | 20–30% | $15–25/year |
| Smart water monitor (e.g., Phyn, Flo) | Detects leaks instantly | Prevents $100s in waste |
- Schedule Annual Plumbing + Electrical Tune-Ups
Corroded wiring, failing pump relays, or sediment-filled water heaters increase electrical resistance—forcing components to draw more power.
Gillece’s Plumbing & Electrical Efficiency Tune-Up includes:
- Flushing water heaters to remove sediment (improves efficiency 10–15%)
- Testing pump motors and capacitors
- Inspecting wiring for heat loss or overloads
- Verifying grounding and GFCI protection
One visit can possibly prevent a huge emergency fee and lower your bill by 8–12%.
Final Thoughts: Small Plumbing Fixes = Big Electrical Savings
With Pennsylvania electricity rates up nearly 50% since 2020, every watt counts. Your plumbing system isn’t just about water—it’s a major player in your energy budget. By optimizing water heating, eliminating waste, and upgrading pumps, Pittsburgh homeowners can save $200–500+ per year without changing daily habits.
Gillece Services has served Pittsburgh for over 45 years—from Dormont to Cranberry Township. Our plumbers and electricians work together to deliver whole-home efficiency that’s safe, code-compliant and budget-friendly. Call 412-387-2070 or schedule your plumbing service online. Let’s stop wasting electricity—one drop at a time.
