If you want to lower your utility bills and make your home more energy efficient, upgrading your water heater should be one of your first projects. That’s because a water heater uses more energy than a washer, dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator combined. If you have a traditional water heater with a tank, about 12% of your household’s energy is being used to heat water. Let’s take a look at some more efficient ways to provide your family with hot water.
Consider a Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters work differently. They capture heat from the surrounding air, and they then use that heat to warm the water. Heat pump water heaters use less energy than traditional models, and they have lower carbon emissions. Installing a heat pump water heater will save an average household about $600 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, and larger families can save even more.
Go Solar
Solar water heaters use the same kind of technology as heat pump water heaters. In states where winter temperatures often fall into the teens, solar water heaters usually have indirect circulation systems. In these systems, power generated by solar panels is used to move a non-freezing liquid through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger then warms water for use in a home. Solar water heaters can lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions significantly because sunshine is free.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters connect to a gas or electricity supply just like traditional water heaters, but they heat water on demand instead of storing it in a tank. You’ll probably never run out of hot water if you install a tankless water heater, and your utility bills will be about a third lower. Tankless water heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters, and they have digital displays that are easy to use.
Insulate Your Water Heater
If your budget doesn’t have room for a heat pump, solar or tankless water heater, you can make your existing water heater more efficient by insulating it. Precut water heater jackets and blankets are inexpensive and easy to install, and they can reduce standby heat losses by up to 45%. If your water heater is warm to the touch, adding insulation could lower your energy bills by about 15%.
If you are in the market for a water heater, a professional can go over your options with you and help you choose a model that meets your needs. To reach out to our friendly professionals about water heater repairs or maintenance, call JW’s in Indianapolis, IN today.
