Water Heater Buying Guide - Energy Friendly
New Energy Star Water Heaters Save Money and Resources
Sep 30, 2009
With new Energy Star efficient water heaters on the market, buying a water heater now makes sense. New water heater buyers save money and help keep the planet greener.
In addition, some water heaters are included in the Obama Cash for Clunker Appliances program with instant rebates of up to $200 on various energy saving appliances. On top of the instant cash off, some water heaters can also be used as a tax write off for a updated water heater tax rebate over the upcoming years.
High-Efficiency Water Heater (Storage Style)
The most popular type of water heater in terms of sales is the storage-style water heater (20 to 80 gallon tanks tucked away in closets, basements etc). Many storage water heaters run on oil or electricity; however, gas is the most fuel efficient and a good investment for home owners who have natural gas connections in the neighborhood.
The high-efficiency gas storage water heaters are better insulated than older gas water heater models and also have one-way valves between the pipe and tank connection. These new features reduce stand-by costs on water heating (or the loss of heat and energy required to keep water hot even when the unit is not is use).
High-efficiency water heaters save around 7.5% on energy use so do not meet standards for tax credits. Some areas do offer rebates, so check the Energy Star Rebate Locater by zip code to check on additional savings on energy efficient gas storage water heater units.
Gas Condensing Water Heaters
Consumers may find it difficult to distinguish gas condensing water heaters from storage units based on appearance. On the outside, condensing water heaters look much the same; however, gas condensing heater units have better heat exchangers inside to capture more heat from the fuel source. The price tag is higher, but the value is in the interior design.
Gas condensing water heaters cut energy costs around 30% as well a providing a constant supply of hot water. This style of water heater heats almost as fast as the water is used so is excellent for larger families who often run out of hot water when multiple family members are using hot water. And, a family of six would save around $250 a year with an unending supply of hot water.
Whole-Home Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters use direct heat rather than storage, so standby heat is not lost as water sits in a tank. When water is turned on in the house, a gas burners or electric elements heats the water only as needed. It’s similar to switching on a light switch and having instant light.
Tankless water heaters work best for small households with lower hot water needs, since hot water is on-demand. They are also ideal for families who have small homes and little room for bulky water heaters.
Consumers interested in tankless heating need to check that home gas lines will support the demands of a whole-home gas tankless water heater system and that ventilation is adequate for this type of water heating.
Tankless water heater systems have a typical lifespan of 20 years, and Energy Star ratings require a minimum 10 year warranty on the heat exchanger and five years on parts. Energy savings is currently around $100 per year.
Solar Hot Water Heaters
Solar powered water heaters (or solar domestic hot water systems) are, of course, powered by sunlight. This means that the raw fuel (sunshine) is free which is a good thing. These type of sun powered units can be used in any climate area, but many homes do have a back up heating system when sunshine is limited.
There are two basic types of solar heating systems – a double tank system and a single. Both are run with solar collector panels. In a two tank water heating system, one tank is used to preheat the water which is then transferred to the well insulated storage tank. The single tank system works on much the same principle, but the unit includes two separate compartments for heating and storage housed in one water heater.
Solar water heating systems are expensive. Even though they safe about half in terms of water heating energy costs, it takes about 10 years to break even. On the bright side, the lifespan of a solar system is 20 years, much longer than tank style water heaters.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Most homeowners are familiar with heat pumps used to heat and cool the air inside the house, and heat pump water heaters work much the same. In fact, such systems can be stand-alone or can be combined as part of the home heating/air conditioning system.
In very basic terms, a heat pump water heater draws the warm air from the home and processes the air to heat the water. For this reason, heat pump water heaters need to be housed in an area that is warm year round. Recommended temperatures are 40 to 90 degrees F in the heat pump water heater area. For this reason, these water heaters work better for families who live in warmer climates.
It’s also important to note that heat pump water heaters need some space to breath and perform, so allow for 28 cubic feet around the unit. If space is a home issue, then a heat pump water heater would not be the best choice.
Savings with a heat pump water heater are approximately $300 per year. That means it takes around three years to recover the extra cost associated with buying this type of water heating unit.
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