Reducing Energy Costs - Energy Efficient Water Heaters

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Energy Efficient Water Heaters

Many different types of water heaters are available which may or may not require a water storage tank. Generally, the tankless options are more energy efficient. This is because there is a loss of heat which occurs when water sits within a tank, known as standby heat loss. The heater must continually reheat the water, which is a great waste of energy.

The conventional storage water heater is the most common style to be found within the American home today. These heaters may run on natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or electricity. When selecting a storage water heater, remember that heavily insulated tanks will not lose as much heat as other types.

In addition to standby heat losses, gas and oil storage tanks experience energy losses related to venting. These venting issues can be counteracted by purchasing a fan-assisted gas water heater or an atmospheric sealed-combustion water heater.

Less conventional water heaters which also make use of storage options include heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters. These appliances are more expensive to purchase initially but much cheaper to run over their lifetimes.

Another water heating option is a tankless, or demand, water heater which provides hot water instantaneously. This style of heater is also more expensive than a storage one, but it does save money by completely eliminating standby losses. It is important to remember that a gas-fired demand heater will generally have a higher flow rate than an electric one; however, the need for a constantly burning pilot light can easily undo any energy gains.

The tankless coil and indirect water heating options combine water heating needs with space heating. Tankless coil heaters rely on either a furnace or boiler to heat water, and are usually gas-fired or electric. They operate best during cold months when the heating system is used regularly. An indirect heater makes use of a tank which, in this situation, provides more efficiency for most homes than a tankless coil heater. This is because the furnace or boiler does not need to be used as often for the water heating to be effective.

The energy costs of a hot water system can be reduced in a number of ways. A very obvious step would be to reduce hot water usage. Along with being more conscious of time spent in the shower, other things may be done such as fixing leaks, installing low flow faucets/showerheads, and purchasing energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers.

Another step would be to reduce the temperature setting of the water heater. If a water heater has a tank, it is wise to set it to at least 123 °F. This is because the bacteria known to cause Legionnaires' disease can develop in standing water at up to 122 °F.

The act of insulating water tanks and water pipes is another energy reducer. Installing such things as heat traps or timers is also useful.

When it comes to heating a swimming pool, high energy gas and heat pump options are available. Many people also take advantage of solar technology for swimming pools. In fact, solar pool heaters are currently the most effective use of solar technology today.

Other steps to reduce pool heating costs include using a pool cover or installing an energy efficient pump. Pool covers reduce heat loss where it most occurs- at the surface of a pool. Using the smallest pool pump acceptable for your pool and operating it less can help people save up to as much as 75% of their original pool pump energy costs.

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