Greenlinks Blog
Water Heaters
-Water heating is the second -highest home energy cost for most households in cold weather climate zones.
Use the following information to:
- Reduce your water-heating costs
- Research a new water heater
- Learn about your choices
Conventional Water Heaters
Most water heaters use natural gas, propane or electricity to heat water stored in an insulated tank. Natural gas heaters generally heat water faster and cost less to operate. Water heating efficiency is rated by an Energy Factor (EF). The higher an EF, the more efficient the heater.
Recommended Water Heater Efficiency
- Natural Gas, 30 to 50 gallons--.61 EF or higher
- Electric, all sizes .93EF or higher
Makes--There are over 20 different national brands, from A. O. Smith to Richmond and Vaughn electric and solar storage water heaters.
On-Demand Water Heaters- also known as tankless or instantaneous water heaters
An On-Demand water heater with an Energy Factor of .83 can save about 25 % on natural gas compared to a tank-style heater with an EF of .61
Potential Advantages-on demand-
- Save energy
- Never run out of hot water (within flow limits)
- Should last longer
- Frees up floor space
- Failed components can be replaced instead of the whole water heater
Potential disadvantages of on-demand water heaters-
- Costs more to buy and install
- Hot water often takes longer to arrive at the sink or faucet
- Can't provide a slow trickle
- Many plumbers do not install them
Information:
Department of Energy