Many homeowners might not know that their water heater contributes to about 12 percent of their total energy costs. It’s a significant chunk of the expenses. However, you don’t have to worry. There are ways to have hot water in your home while still conserving water and energy.
Not all heaters are the same. Some types use up more energy while others use considerably less, which is what this article will talk about. The best heaters you can get to conserve both water and energy are electric heaters, heat pump water heaters, solar heaters, and tankless water heaters.
Here are some more details:
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are easy to install, and they’re excellent at conserving energy. They also require less maintenance, so they’re much cheaper to keep. You won’t have to worry about having proper fuel or ventilation for the heater, which allows you to be more flexible with where you have it installed.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are another great option if you want to reduce your heater’s energy consumption. These kinds of heaters pull heat from the air around it and transfer that to the water stored in its tank. It’s considerably more expensive to install than an electric heater, but you can easily get your money’s worth in a few years’ time.
Solar Heaters
Out of all the energy-efficient heaters on the list, solar heaters are probably the most expensive to install. It’s because you’ll need to install solar panels and a completely new heater system for the water heater to work. However, they’re the most energy-efficient option because they use renewable energy. They don’t even produce greenhouse gases, which is perfect if you want to be more conscious of your carbon footprint.
Tankless Water Heaters
Finally, we have tankless water heaters. This type of heater warms up water only when it’s on, thus using up less energy. As the water flows through an advanced heat exchanger, it supplies a near-endless amount of hot water for your home. In addition to that, it has a long lifespan of about 20 years compared to the usual 10 to 13 years. They take up less space because of the tankless feature, and they’re good for the environment too.
General Tips
With any of these water heaters, you’re sure to reduce your total energy cost, but if that’s not good enough, you can try a few other things to help you out. First, try to keep your heater’s temperature at 120 Fahrenheit only. It’s a comfortable temperature for showering, bathing, dishwashing, and cleaning without needing to use too much energy.
The second thing you can do is to insulate your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss. The less time your heater needs to warm up some water, the more energy you can save. Avoid using hot water when you wash your dishes and set your washing machine to the cold cycle. Reducing the times you use hot water will provide a bigger relief to your energy bill.
Conclusion
Hot water is an important feature in any home, and it contributes to a better quality of life. However, a soaring energy bill can be a problem for anyone. It’s why it’s important to have an energy-efficient water heater without sacrificing the consistency of having hot water in your home.
If tankless water heaters are your cup of tea, let Houston Water Heaters handle the installation! We are expert installers of tankless water heaters in Houston, Texas. If you need water heaters installed in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out.