Water Heater Efficiency
Ever tried showering at home while the washing machine and dishwasher are running? Or maybe you have a few kids, and when everyone showers at once, you run out of hot water in no time. If so, you’ve probably considered upgrading to a newer, more efficient water heater.
While air heating options for your home have evolved significantly over the years, water heating technology has remained relatively stagnant since the 1960s. Traditional water heaters have been cost-effective, reliable, and energy-efficient compared to home heating and cooling systems, which has led to limited advancements in this area. Most of these water heaters have hovered around the 60% efficiency mark, leaving room for improvement.
Technological Improvements
Water heating technology is finally catching up to the efficiency standards of home heating systems. Today’s homeowners are increasingly focused on environmental sustainability and value for money, seeking to upgrade their systems for better performance and lower energy consumption. After experiencing the benefits of ultra-efficient furnaces and air conditioners, many are turning their attention to improving their water heaters.
Historically, water heaters have lagged behind in terms of efficiency, with options typically falling between the standard 60% efficiency and high-efficiency models that exceed 92%. The high-efficiency units often come with a price tag that is double or even triple that of standard models.
If you’re considering investing in a high-efficiency water heater, tankless units are an excellent choice. Unlike traditional tanks that store and eventually deplete hot water, tankless heaters provide virtually endless hot water by heating it on demand. This not only helps you save on your gas or electric bill but also extends the lifespan of your unit compared to traditional tank heaters. Though tankless models have a higher initial cost, their growing popularity is driving down prices, simplifying installation, and improving efficiency.
One consideration with tankless heaters is their maintenance requirement; they need to be flushed at least every other year. Despite this, the long-term savings, environmental benefits, and the luxury of uninterrupted hot showers make tankless units a worthwhile investment.
