How Environmentally Friendly Water Heaters Save You Money - September Monthly Newsletter

September 01, 2020

How Environmentally Friendly Water Heaters Save You Money

Did you know that your water heater accounts for almost 17% of your household energy use? That’s right. Your water heater uses more energy than all of your other household appliances combined! 

While it sounds like a shocking statistic, it should come as no surprise, due to the amount of hot water we rely on every day. I mean, laundry alone, right? Add in the dishwasher and all the showers, and it’s easy to see how your water heater can run up your electric bill every month. 

Given the nice chunk of change your water heater is eating up every month, if you’re looking for opportunities to save money--and go green-- replacing your water heater with an environmentally friendly version is the lowest hanging fruit. 

Types of Environmentally Friendly Water Heaters

If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t given much thought to the various kinds of energy-efficient water heaters on the market. Because, like so many household appliances, we tend to only think about them when they stop working. So, you may be surprised that you have choices when it comes to being green--and saving green-- on your water heater. 

Tankless and hybrid electric water heaters can not only save you money and reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also perform better than their less efficient counterparts.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tank water heaters have been the classic standby for years and years. If a storage tank water heater is what is supplying your hot water to your home, it is very likely that you are so comfortable with the status quo that searching for an alternative hasn’t crossed your mind. After all, your plumbing and electric service or gas line have been put in place precisely for your tank water heater. 

But, just because you’re comfortable with your tank water heater doesn’t mean it’s serving you well. Storage tank water heaters are not without drawbacks. 

Storage Tank Water Heaters

Inefficient: Tank water heaters need to run around the clock to keep up with your household demands for hot water whenever you want it. This eats up energy and your money. 

Limited supply of hot water: Because you’re limited to the amount of water that is in the tank, multiple back-to-back hot showers just aren’t a reality. 

Limited life span: The average life expectancy of a storage tank water heater is around 8 to 10 years. So if the clock is ticking on your existing water heater, it might be time to consider a replacement before it’s an emergency. 

You should know that while making the switch to a tankless water heater isn’t a simple swap, it is very doable. And one that you will be glad you made. 

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have many good things going for them, which is why they are a popular switch for so many people once their storage tank water heater has lived its full life. Here are some of the reasons why tankless water heaters are getting so much love: 

Hot water on demand: A tankless water heater is ready when you are and heats water on demand. 

Reduced energy consumption: Heating water only when you need it can add up to a 15% savings on your energy bill. And because tankless water heaters do not hold onto a supply of hot water at all times, storage tank water heaters do not experience heat loss. 

Long life expectancy: The average life of a tankless water heater is double that of its storage tank counterpart, coming in at a whopping 20 years. 

Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

Hybrid electric water heaters, also known as heat pump water heaters, have holding tanks like the traditional storage tank water heaters, but also have a heat pump that sits on the top to pull in warm air and transfer it into the tank. Heat pump water heaters are 2 to 3 times more energy-efficient than a storage tank water heater because it uses electricity to move heat rather than generate heat. 

Reduced energy costs: Because heat pump water heaters only replace and don’t create heat, you can save over 60% on your water heating costs.

Additional savings: By installing a new hybrid electric water heater, you may qualify for rebates from the government or your local utility company to offset some of the initial investment. 

Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

If you’re ready to slash your electricity bills and make the change to a more energy-efficient way of providing hot water to your home, call the professional team at Whitton Plumbing. We have experience installing all types of water heaters and will be able to consult with you on the best solution for your home.