After heating and cooling, water heating uses up the most energy in the home. Here’s an interesting paradox. As homes have become more energy efficient over the last two decades, the percentage of energy used for water heating has steadily increased. Because there isn’t an existing Energy Star program for water heaters, it’s all the more essential that you learn what you can do before you replace the one you have.
If you’re like most people, you won’t go out and buy a new water heater until the old one goes. The experts suggest that the law of averages dictates that your existing water heater will go at the worst possible time and that will mean that you’ll need to rush out and buy one without taking the time to consider or look for a water heater that best fits your needs and offers a high range of energy efficiency. Of course a much better option is to do the research now and that way you’ll be better prepared when the time comes.
One of the first things that you’ll want to determine when you’re going to replace a water heater is the kind of fuel that makes the most sense. If you currently have an electric heater and natural gas is available in your area, then a switch might be in order. Oil and propane models are both substantially cheaper than electric, but the initial set up costs can be high. Before you rule out electricity completely, check with your local utility company, as they generally have off peak rates that could make electricity an option.
It’s very important to choose carefully, whether you’re looking to replace an existing model or shopping for a new one for a home that you’re building. Look for a model that will satisfy all your hot water needs while using as little energy as possible.
The most common type of water heater is called the storage water heater and it’s the most common one that’s being used in the United States today. Generally, it ranges in size form 20 to 80 gallons and it works by storing water that is heated in an insulated tank. Here, the hot water is always there and ready to be used. The problem here is that heat is always lost through the walls of the storage tank and through the pipes that run to and away from the tank. Because of this, energy can be consumed even when the tank is not in use. The newer versions of this water heater contain more insulation around the tank to reduce standby heat loss.
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