Which Water Heater is Best in Vancouver
Choosing an Energy Efficient Water Heater
The right water heater can significantly influence a household’s energy costs. The choice depends on multiple factors, including initial investment and long-term cost savings, energy efficiency, space requirements, and local plumbing codes.
Make sure to buy the correct size for your home’s hot water demands by determining its first hour rating on your unit’s yellow EnergyGuide label. You should also consult a plumber to assess your water heating demands and choose an energy efficient model.
Storage Tank
Conventional storage tank water heaters constantly cycle on and off, heating and reheating the water until it reaches the thermostat set point temperature. During peak demand times, these water heaters can consume large amounts of energy. New ENERGY STAR models are heavily insulated, minimizing standby heat losses. Older models can be retrofitted with inexpensive insulation blankets. Ensure your tank is sized correctly to meet your household peak water demands. A tank that is too small will waste energy heating and reheating water that goes unused, while a tank that is too large will be constantly cycling on and off to keep up with demand.
Your fuel type and cost will also impact your energy costs, so perform a search online to find the estimated electricity consumption of each model. The results will help you compare the energy efficiency of different models. You can also contact your utility company for current natural gas or electricity rates.
Tankless
If your tank-style water heater has reached its end of life, or you’re looking for a way to save energy in your home, The crazy plumber suggested considering switching to a Tankless model. These models offer a continuous supply of hot water for multiple uses simultaneously. However, they can be more expensive to purchase and install because they require a dedicated gas line and the correct ventilation system.
Perform a search online for “tankless water heater,” and read user reviews to assess the satisfaction levels of various models. These reviews also detail the estimated electricity consumption—remember that it takes energy to heat the water. A high GPM rating is desirable, but it’s important to balance this with your household’s needs to avoid excessive energy usage. Look for a model with an ETL certification, which confirms the heater meets North American safety standards.
Combination
A hybrid water heater funnels the heated exhaust from a home’s natural gas system to help heat and retain the water. This technology can save energy by reducing energy consumption compared to standard gas models.
When selecting a hybrid model, perform a search online and review the estimated electricity consumption. This is typically displayed on the yellow Energy Guide label. This will give you a sense of the cost benefits and payback periods.
Keep in mind, though, that there are other factors to consider such as the size of your household, first hour rating and fuel type. These can also influence annual operating costs and efficiency.
For example, using a lower temperature setting on the water heater can reduce the amount of energy needed to keep hot water available. However, it can also increase the risk of scalding.
Solar
Solar water heaters are an eco-friendly choice that will help reduce your energy costs, lower your carbon footprint and save on power bills. These units require an initial investment, but the energy they produce will replace your electricity costs and pay for themselves over time.
These systems can be combined with photovoltaic solar energy panels if you have the space for them on your roof. This will allow you to use the renewable solar energy generated by your PV system to power your hot water.
However, solar thermal water heating largely relies on sunlight to function, so it will not work well in shady areas and may need backup heating for cloudy days. Furthermore, it will not provide a 24-hour supply of hot water unless it is combined with an electric back-up system. In addition, the pipes will freeze if not drained during winter. Nevertheless, a properly sized solar water heater will cut your annual hot water costs in half according to ENERGY STAR.
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Choosing an Energy Efficient Water Heater The right water heater can significantly influence a household’s energy costs. The choice depends on multiple factors, including initial investment and long-term cost savings, energy efficiency, space requirements, and local plumbing codes. Make sure to buy the correct size for your home’s hot water demands by determining its first…