Which Type of Water Heater is the Most Energy Efficient?

Installing a new water heater is a simple way to improve your Vernon home's energy efficiency as water heating is the second highest utility expense in your home. Traditional tank storage water heaters last around 10-15 years, so homeowners must make plans for replacement before their current water heater stops working. There are many energy efficient options on the market to replace older water heaters and lower your utility bills

Traditional Water Heaters

Traditional tank storage water heaters are common in many homes. If you have an older water heater of this type, upgrading to a newer one can help to increase water heating energy-efficiency. Newer tank storage water heaters are better insulated to help keep heat in, thereby reducing standby heat loss. The thermostat on a tank storage water heater can be turned down so that it is not heating water to such a high temperature. Tank water heaters can be powered by natural gas, electricity, propane, or solar energy.

Heat Pump and Tankless Water Heaters

A heat pump water heater is much more efficient than a traditional water heater but looks and works similarly to a traditional tank storage water heater. Tankless water heaters, however, are much smaller than tank storage heaters and work on-demand so there is no need to store hot water. This prevents energy loss from water waiting to be used, as well as energy loss when hot water isn't needed for many hours.

Using the Power of the Sun to Heat Water

Solar water heaters are powered by the sun, and solar power works efficiently for heating water. A solar water heater is a great option for locations that get many cloudless days, and most systems have a storage tank water heater nearby for times of high demand or when it is not sunny. These solar water heaters work so well in warm and sunny climates that they sometimes have to have a system in place to cool the water down before it is used.

Trading out an older, less efficient water heater for a new and more energy efficient model is a simple way to save energy around your Vernon home. Combining an efficient new heater with conservation efforts such as using less hot water, maintaining your water heater, and fixing leaks as they occur can help reduce your bills and help minimize energy use at the same time.

Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for water heater installation and repair services in your Vernon home.