Choosing the Most Efficient Water Heaters: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Can Help
Choosing a new water heater for your home can be a challenging process. Determining the right size and configuration to suit your needs can ensure an adequate supply of hot water for you, your family and your guests. An energy-efficient water heater can also save you money on your utility bills now and for many years into the future. Here are some helpful tips for finding the most energy-efficient water heater for your home.
What Kind of Water Heater Do You Need?
Tank water heaters offer reliable heating for large amounts of water. These appliances are available in electric, gas or combination models that can provide real flexibility for homeowners. Residential water heater tanks generally range in size from 30 to 75 gallons. Tank systems heat a large amount of water at once and must keep that water at the appropriate temperature until it is needed. As hot water is used, it is replaced with cold water that must be heated to the desired temperature.
Tankless water heaters are also known as on-demand water heating systems. Rather than maintaining water at a specific temperature for prolonged periods of time, however, tankless systems work by heating water as it is needed. Like tank systems, tankless water heaters can be configured to use gas or electricity as a power source. These systems are typically far more energy-efficient than comparable tank water heaters and can provide a virtually limitless supply of hot water for your home and your needs.
Some water heaters can operate on propane, natural gas or fuel oil. Newer models may use geothermal energy or solar energy to provide the power needed to heat water for your home. If these options are feasible for you and your family, they can often provide energy-efficient hot water to save you money on your utility bills.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Tank and Tankless Systems
Tank storage water heating systems are typically more affordable than comparable tankless systems. The overall cost of operation, however, is usually significantly higher because of the continual need to reheat water that has fallen below the desired temperature. Additionally, tank water heaters can deteriorate and leak over time. These systems can be bulky and are usually installed in an unfinished area to avoid issues if leaks do occur. If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, you can usually lower your utility bills and enjoy greater peace of mind with a new, energy-efficient replacement system from a plumbing team you trust.
Tankless systems will usually cost less to operate than tank systems because they operate only when hot water is needed. This can reduce the amount of energy required to maintain a steady supply of hot water. The initial outlay for a tankless water heating system can be significantly higher than that for a traditional tank system. This can usually be offset, however, by the lower utility bills and always available hot water provided by these advanced systems. Tankless systems require less room for installation and typically need minimal maintenance to operate efficiently.
How to Choose Energy-efficient Water Heaters
The experts at the U.S. Department of Energy recommend choosing a water heater that uses an available energy source, that is sized correctly and that is as energy-efficient as possible within your budget range. In most cases, you can save on the cost of installation by choosing a replacement water heater that uses the same energy source as the one you replace. For instance, if your current water heater operates on natural gas, it can be less expensive to install a replacement that also uses natural gas.
For tankless systems, electrical and geothermal water heating systems are usually the most efficient. These systems can also run on natural gas or propane at a lower level of energy efficiency. Installing a tankless system can often reduce your carbon footprint along with lowering your utility costs, which can save you money while saving the environment in a practical way.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) also recommends that homeowners consider heat pump water heating systems. These systems work much like the heat pumps that cool and heat homes and extract heat from outside area to create a reliable supply of hot water. Heat pump water heaters use high-efficiency compressors to heat water within a tank. The NRDC estimates that an average four-person household in the United States could save $550 a year by switching from a traditional tank water heater system to a heat pump water heater.
Comparing Water Heaters for Energy Efficiency
A few different factors are considered by ENERGY STAR and other ratings agencies when determining the overall energy efficiency of water heaters. The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is determined by separating water heaters into four categories based on size and then comparing their performance. The UEF is usually expressed as a decimal that represents the percentage of energy efficiency. For instance, a UEF of .95 offers 95 percent efficiency. Only five percent of the energy used is wasted.
The First Hour Rating is also used by ENERGY STAR when determining the energy efficiency of a tank water heater. This rating represents the volume of water that can be supplied within an hour from a fully heated storage water heater. Tankless systems use Maximum Gallons per Minute to provide an equivalent benchmark. ENERGY STAR is continually updating its requirements for certification. Water heaters that meet these standards typically feature an Energy Guide sticker that provides the estimated yearly energy cost associated with operating the water heater under normal conditions.
Reliable Plumbing Solutions From the Experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we offer reliable services for all your plumbing needs. We can help you choose the most energy-efficient and practical water heater for your home or business. Whether you are looking for a new tankless system to keep your utility bills lower or a replacement for your current tank system, we can provide recommendations and installations to help you enjoy dependable hot water and greater peace of mind. The dedicated and knowledgeable team members at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are always here to help when you need us most.