Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

  

If you’re like most homeowners, buying a new water heater won’t happen until after your old one breaks. But did you know that upgrading your water heater to a newer model could help save money on utility bills and lessen your family’s impact on the environment? Americans depend on hot water for everything from hot showers to clean laundry and spend an average of $400 to $600 annually on water heating. Read on to find out how to select a more energy efficient heater.

 

 

The lifespan of an average water heater is typically between 10 and 15 years. Energy Star, the joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), recently added water heaters to the list of household appliances that it certifies to be energy efficient.

"The Energy Star program empowers consumers to make smart energy choices that will save money and energy, and reduce our carbon footprint," said Andy Karsner, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy for the DOE.
 

The DOE says that water heating represents up to 15.5 percent of national residential energy consumption, which makes it the second largest energy end use in homes behind heating and cooling.
 

According to projections, Energy Star water heaters are expected to save Americans approximately $780 million in utility costs, avoid 4.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and save more than 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours of energy and 270 million therms of natural gas after five years.
 

"With energy costs on the rise, this is an ideal time to invest in more efficient appliances, especially water heaters,” said David Chisolm, brand manger for A. O. Smith, a maker of water heaters.

Doing the research about what’s available before you are in a pinch will help you make a better decision—and save you money in the long run.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters: Energy Star-qualified tankless water heaters cut heating costs by 30 percent by heating water only when it’s needed. It’s the ideal solution for families who are tired of running out of warm water after several showers or when filling up a large tub. Tankless water heaters can save more than $100 on gas bills compared to standard storage models. Another perk: they take up less space and some models can be installed outdoors.

 

To determine the size of the tankless water heater you need, take a good look at how you use water in the home. While the capacity of storage for water heaters is based on the number of gallons that will fit in the tank, tankless models are rated by how many gallons of hot water they produce per minute (GPM). If you often have many streams of water running at once, such as the shower, clothes washer and dishwasher, you will need a heater with a larger GPM. Consult with your remodeling contractor or plumber to estimate the needs of your home.

 

High-Efficiency Gas Storage Water Heaters: Like standard gas storage water heaters, these models use a glass-lined steel tank that is heated by a burner at the bottom of the tank. Unlike standard models, however, high-efficiency versions have better insulation, more efficient burners and are about 7.5 percent more efficient.

 

Gas Condensing Water Heaters: This new technology comes out in late 2009 and should help homeowners cut water heating expenses by 30 percent. It can save homeowners around $110 per year in water heating and has the high-performance characteristics of the tankless models by offering an almost-constant stream of hot water. The tank heats up nearly as fast as water fills it.

 

Heat Pump Water Heater: If you’d rather use electricity to heat your water, consider an Energy Star-qualified heat pump water heater. Heat pump water heater models save 55 percent, or $290 per year in electricity. Using a vaporized liquid refrigerant that passes through a compressor, the heat pump heaters take the heat from surrounding air and transfer it to the water inside the tank.

 

Solar: Homeowners wanting to begin using solar energy can purchase an Energy Star solar water heater. They work as a supplement to electric or gas water heaters as auxiliary, ensuring you have hot water even when the sun isn’t shining.