After heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home because it is necessary for so many domestic activities. Whether you are replacing a worn-out existing water heater or looking for the best model for a new home, it pays to choose carefully.
Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use. High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Before you purchase a water heater, it’s important to know how energy efficient it is. Usually the most energy efficient water heater models are more expensive. However the energy efficient model will continue to save money on energy costs over the lifetime of the unit. Actual energy savings from high efficiency water heaters will depend on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.
Additional suggestions for saving energy and money on water heating:
• Conserve water. Your biggest opportunity for savings is to use less hot water. Take showers rather than baths and reduce shower time to five minutes. Install water-conserving showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Insulate hot water pipes. Insulating hot water pipes will reduce losses as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and then back on within an hour or so.
• Lower the water heater temperature. Keep your water heater thermostat set at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water. For most households, 120ºF water is fine. Each 10ºF reduction in water temperature will generally save 3-5% on your water heating costs. When you will be away from home for an extended period of time, you can turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting, or turn the water heater off altogether for additional savings.
Click here to download a hot water heater incentive form.