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Water heaters
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When it comes to water heating, natural gas is best because they are usually less expensive to operate than electric models.
Tips
- Install heat traps on both the cold and hot water intakes of your hot water heater.
- Install an insulation jacket on an existing electric water heater to greatly reduce heat loss (We don’t recommend insulation jackets for gas water heaters). Some manufacturers recommend against installing jackets on their energy-efficient models, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Insulate both cold and hot water pipes coming off of the water heater.
- After disconnecting the power supply at the breaker box, lower the thermostat of the water heater to 125˚F for safety and efficiency. For every 10 degrees you lower the water heater temperature, you could save up to 3% in heating costs.
- For homes built prior to 1992, we recommend installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save energy and water.
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Go to:
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Location
The water heater should be located outside the conditioned space, in an
attic or garage. Water heaters can also be installed in a sealed mechanical
room inside the home with combustion air provided by a ducted opening to the
outside. The door should be weather-stripped, as if it were an exterior door.
The walls and floor of the mechanical room should also be insulated.
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Replacement
Water heaters typically last 10-15 years. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, we recommend replacing it before it breaks down. Also replace your water heater if it’s leaking.
Replacement water heaters don’t necessarily have to be the same size as your previous model. If you have incorporated water-saving devices into your home — such as low-flow showerheads and/or faucet aerators — you may even be able to reduce the capacity of your water heater. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper sizing.
Generally, the smaller the water heater the more energy efficient, because the smaller tank has less heat loss.
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Installation
- Follow local codes, manufacturer’s guidelines and use good judgment.
- Elevate the water heater approximately 18 inches above the ground.
- Keep combustion materials away from gas water heaters.
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Maintenance
Anode rods (heating elements) within the water should be checked at least
once every 3-4 years. Excessive build up of sediment will shorten the life of
the tank, decrease energy efficiency and cause noise. Flushing out the sediment
in a water heater at least once a year is a good idea, but be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s guidelines.
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Selecting Energy-Efficient Appliances
When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay
to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses.
For an energy-smart deal on your next appliance:
- review the appliance’s EnergyGuide label
- compare the energy use of competing models
- look for appliances labeled with ENERGY STAR
Using EnergyGuide Labels
Yellow and black EnergyGuide labels are attached to many household
appliances to help consumers determine the best energy value. Created by the
Federal Trade Commission, these labels are required on all refrigerators,
freezers, dishwashers, water heaters, clothes washers, air conditioners and
furnaces.
Although these labels will not tell you which appliance is the most
efficient, they will tell you the annual energy consumption and operating cost
for each appliance so you can compare them yourself.
Remember that these labels should be considered only as guides to buying
appliances. The actual cost to operate an appliance will vary depending on how
the appliance is used, energy pricing in the area and the appliance’s location
in a home. EnergyGuide labels are not required on kitchen ranges, microwave
ovens, clothes dryers, on-demand water heaters, portable space heaters and
lights.
Appliances Labeled with ENERGY STAR
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR meet strict criteria set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. To earn the
label, products must use less energy than standard products, while offering the
features and quality you expect.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use
10-50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your
utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more
efficient ENERGY STAR model.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances must also carry the EnergyGuide label.
EnergyGuide labels frequently note whether the product is ENERGY STAR
qualified. The ENERGY STAR mark may also appear on the appliance itself or the
packaging.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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Are European instantaneous water heaters more energy efficient than conventional water heaters?
Instantaneous water heaters are tankless units that heat the water only as needed at the end source using a high-power electric heating element. These water heaters are not energy efficient and are only appropriate for small applications.
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I need a new water heater. How do I properly size a new water heater, and what ratings should I look for?
Gas water heaters for residential applications typically come in 40, 50, 75 and 100 gallons. As you increase the volume of the gas water heater, you also increase the surface area—leading to increased energy usage. You can sometimes use a smaller water heater if you have low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Be sure to compare the black-and-yellow Energy Guide labels for same-capacity water heaters. And when looking for a contractor, make sure they are bonded, insured and have some level of training from the manufacturer.
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Can I use an insulation jacket around my gas water heater?
We do not recommend using an insulation jacket on a gas water heater unless the manufacturer specifies that it is safe to do so, as it could pose a fire hazard. Most of the time, insulation jackets are used on older, inefficient electric heaters; if you have a newer model, it may already be insulated on the inside.
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Take the ENERGY STAR home tour
 |
Take a room-by-room tour of ENERGY STAR @ home and learn what you can do to save energy, money and help protect the environment.
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Cool Globes®
Learn how you can help combat global warming at this fun, creative exhibit sponsored by Reliant Energy.
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Cook up some holiday memories
Spread the holiday cheer in your kitchen while keeping costs low.
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Water heaters
|
|
|
When it comes to water heating, natural gas is best because they are usually less expensive to operate than electric models.
Tips
- Install heat traps on both the cold and hot water intakes of your hot water heater.
- Install an insulation jacket on an existing electric water heater to greatly reduce heat loss (We don’t recommend insulation jackets for gas water heaters). Some manufacturers recommend against installing jackets on their energy-efficient models, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Insulate both cold and hot water pipes coming off of the water heater.
- After disconnecting the power supply at the breaker box, lower the thermostat of the water heater to 125˚F for safety and efficiency. For every 10 degrees you lower the water heater temperature, you could save up to 3% in heating costs.
- For homes built prior to 1992, we recommend installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save energy and water.
|
|
Go to:
|
|
Location
The water heater should be located outside the conditioned space, in an
attic or garage. Water heaters can also be installed in a sealed mechanical
room inside the home with combustion air provided by a ducted opening to the
outside. The door should be weather-stripped, as if it were an exterior door.
The walls and floor of the mechanical room should also be insulated.
|
|
Replacement
Water heaters typically last 10-15 years. If your water heater is more than 15 years old, we recommend replacing it before it breaks down. Also replace your water heater if it’s leaking.
Replacement water heaters don’t necessarily have to be the same size as your previous model. If you have incorporated water-saving devices into your home — such as low-flow showerheads and/or faucet aerators — you may even be able to reduce the capacity of your water heater. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper sizing.
Generally, the smaller the water heater the more energy efficient, because the smaller tank has less heat loss.
|
|
Installation
- Follow local codes, manufacturer’s guidelines and use good judgment.
- Elevate the water heater approximately 18 inches above the ground.
- Keep combustion materials away from gas water heaters.
|
|
Maintenance
Anode rods (heating elements) within the water should be checked at least
once every 3-4 years. Excessive build up of sediment will shorten the life of
the tank, decrease energy efficiency and cause noise. Flushing out the sediment
in a water heater at least once a year is a good idea, but be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s guidelines.
|
|
|
Selecting Energy-Efficient Appliances
When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay
to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses.
For an energy-smart deal on your next appliance:
- review the appliance’s EnergyGuide label
- compare the energy use of competing models
- look for appliances labeled with ENERGY STAR
Using EnergyGuide Labels
Yellow and black EnergyGuide labels are attached to many household
appliances to help consumers determine the best energy value. Created by the
Federal Trade Commission, these labels are required on all refrigerators,
freezers, dishwashers, water heaters, clothes washers, air conditioners and
furnaces.
Although these labels will not tell you which appliance is the most
efficient, they will tell you the annual energy consumption and operating cost
for each appliance so you can compare them yourself.
Remember that these labels should be considered only as guides to buying
appliances. The actual cost to operate an appliance will vary depending on how
the appliance is used, energy pricing in the area and the appliance’s location
in a home. EnergyGuide labels are not required on kitchen ranges, microwave
ovens, clothes dryers, on-demand water heaters, portable space heaters and
lights.
Appliances Labeled with ENERGY STAR
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR meet strict criteria set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. To earn the
label, products must use less energy than standard products, while offering the
features and quality you expect.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use
10-50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your
utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more
efficient ENERGY STAR model.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances must also carry the EnergyGuide label.
EnergyGuide labels frequently note whether the product is ENERGY STAR
qualified. The ENERGY STAR mark may also appear on the appliance itself or the
packaging.
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions:
|
|
Are European instantaneous water heaters more energy efficient than conventional water heaters?
Instantaneous water heaters are tankless units that heat the water only as needed at the end source using a high-power electric heating element. These water heaters are not energy efficient and are only appropriate for small applications.
|
|
I need a new water heater. How do I properly size a new water heater, and what ratings should I look for?
Gas water heaters for residential applications typically come in 40, 50, 75 and 100 gallons. As you increase the volume of the gas water heater, you also increase the surface area—leading to increased energy usage. You can sometimes use a smaller water heater if you have low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Be sure to compare the black-and-yellow Energy Guide labels for same-capacity water heaters. And when looking for a contractor, make sure they are bonded, insured and have some level of training from the manufacturer.
|
|
Can I use an insulation jacket around my gas water heater?
We do not recommend using an insulation jacket on a gas water heater unless the manufacturer specifies that it is safe to do so, as it could pose a fire hazard. Most of the time, insulation jackets are used on older, inefficient electric heaters; if you have a newer model, it may already be insulated on the inside.
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
Take the ENERGY STAR home tour
|
Take a room-by-room tour of ENERGY STAR @ home and learn what you can do to save energy, money and help protect the environment.
|
| |
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Cool Globes®
Learn how you can help combat global warming at this fun, creative exhibit sponsored by Reliant Energy.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Cook up some holiday memories
Spread the holiday cheer in your kitchen while keeping costs low.
|
|
|
|
|
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|
