Conserving energy has never been more crucial in today’s modern world. Not only can it benefit the environment by reducing carbon footprints, but it can also save homeowners significant sums on monthly bills. One household appliance which plays a significant role in energy use is the water heater; upgrading to one with energy-saving capabilities could be your ticket to greener living and manageable bills. To make the most of this upgrade, considering professional water heater installation services can ensure that your new system is set up for optimal efficiency.
Why Consider an Energy-Efficient Water Heater?
Eco-Friendly Living
Burning fossil fuels for energy production is one of the key causes of global CO2 emissions; energy-efficient water heaters significantly decrease this demand, leading to reduced emissions.
Lower Monthly Bills
Water heaters account for an outsized portion of utility costs. Opting for energy-efficient models could reduce those expenses by as much as 50% – in some cases even more!
Longevity
Energy-efficient water heaters tend to use cutting-edge materials and technology, which extend their lifespan considerably compared to older, traditional models.
Types of Energy-Efficient Water Heaters
Becoming informed about all options can help homeowners make more informed decisions when purchasing energy-efficient water heaters on the market. Here is a selection of popular energy-efficient water heaters.
On-Demand Tankless Water Heaters [Tankless]
These heaters generate hot water instantly as it passes through their heating element, eliminating the need for storage tanks and only using energy when necessary to keep a water source heated up. As such, energy consumption only goes towards keeping an entire tank heated rather than just keeping individual dregs warm when they need hot water.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Instead of directly creating heat, these heat pump water heaters use pumps to move it around from place to place, using up to 60% less electricity than traditional models.
Solar Water Heaters
Harnessing the sun to produce energy for water heating can be an excellent choice for homeowners in sunny regions. By cutting back on fossil fuel use and running costs, these solar water heaters can offer significant cost savings over traditional models.
Condensing Water Heaters
Ideal for homes using natural gas, these water heaters capture and condense gas fumes before using their heat for water heating purposes.
Steps to Maximize Savings with Your New Water Heater
Select an Appropriate Size to Maximize Savings
Your water heater’s size should directly correspond with your household’s daily hot water demands and expenses. An oversized or undersized water heater could waste energy, while an inadequate one would consume extra money by running overtime.
How to Select the Appropriate Size
- First Hour Rating (FHR): When shopping for energy efficient water heaters, check their FHR ratings which indicate how much hot water it can produce per hour – compare this number with your peak hour demand and choose accordingly.
- Professional Consultation: Consult a plumber or specialist for an accurate assessment based on your occupant count and usage patterns.
Regular Maintenance
Like other appliances, water heaters require regular maintenance in order to function optimally. A properly maintained heater works efficiently while using less energy and living longer.
Maintenance Tips
- Check for Leaks or Rust: Regularly inspect your geyser for signs of leaks or rust to detect problems as soon as they arise.
- Flushing Your Tank: Sediments can accumulate at the bottom, decreasing efficiency. Drain out some gallons from your tank regularly in order to eliminate this build-up and ensure optimal functioning of heating elements (especially electric).
Insulating Your Heater and Pipes
Heat loss from the heater and pipeline components forces your system to work harder in order to reach desired temperature levels. For older heaters, blanket insulation may help provide extra efficiency; most newer models come pre-insulated, but adding another layer could still provide increased savings.
Water Heater Insulation Tip
Insulate Pipes: Wrap the first few feet of both hot and cold water pipes connected to the heater with insulation for best results.
Optimize Thermostat Settings
Many energy-efficient water heaters are preset to 140°F, but most households don’t require water this hot for daily usage. Lowering the temperature can result in significant energy savings.
Optimizing Tips For Safe and Efficient Temperature
- For most tasks, such as showering and dishwashing, temperatures in the 120°F to 130°F range are usually suitable.
- When away for extended periods, set your thermostat lower or put it into vacation mode in order to save energy.
Sealing the Deal: Your Path to Sustainable Savings
Energy-efficient water heaters represent more than just a trend; they symbolize our collective effort towards creating a sustainable future and making meaningful contributions towards an eco-friendlier lifestyle. By choosing energy-efficient appliances, homeowners can reap both reduced bills and an eco-friendlier lifestyle. Take the first step by researching and investing in one today that meets all your needs!Elevate the efficiency of your water heater with exceptional repair services from GoodMan Plumbing. Our expertise extends across Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Get in touch with us today to explore our array of services and enhance your water heater’s performance.