Before you buy a water heater, make sure you know what it is made of and its overall energy efficiency. You should also know about the installation cost and maintenance schedule. Then, you can choose the right one for your needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there. Whether you’re comparing prices or looking for an environmentally-friendly unit, the tips listed below should help you find the best one for your home.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of your water heater can make a difference in your monthly energy bill. Many standard water heaters are rated between 30 and 45 percent, which is higher than what you need to save money. These units use extra energy to keep the water hot and at the desired temperature, which is not good for your health or for the environment. You can reduce this energy waste by lowering the thermostat on your hot water heater. This can save anywhere from three to five percent of the total cost of water heating.
The Federal Energy Conservation Commission (EPC) sets energy efficiency standards for water heaters. These standards include the Energy Factor (EF) of each unit. This factor is a measure of how useful the energy output is compared to the total energy delivered.
Environmental impact
A traditional water heater is an energy hog and can wear out in less than a decade. Not only is it inefficient, but it also generates millions of pounds of waste annually. On top of that, heating water consumes up to 20% of residential energy consumption in the US and up to 40% in Australia. The majority of this energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal. Coal-fired electricity generation releases up to 1.5 pounds of carbon emissions per kilowatt hour. Additionally, traditional tank systems produce nitrous oxide and sulfur.
Many provinces are moving toward green energy sources to reduce the hot water heater replacement carbon emissions in the atmosphere. This can help to lower our monthly utility bills. However, conventional electric water heaters still generate more carbon emissions than other types of water heaters.
Installation costs
There are various costs associated with installing a new water heater. The amount you pay will depend on the size of the tank and the number of people in your household. For instance, a 40-gallon water heater may cost anywhere from $320 to $1,600. However, if you’re upgrading to a larger tank, the cost may rise even further. Installation costs may also increase if you need to install new electrical wiring or a gas line.
Depending on where you live, you may need to get a permit for the installation. Installation permits can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. You may also need to hire a plumber. Plumbers can charge anywhere from $45 to $150 an hour. It will take about one to three hours for a plumber to complete an installation.
Maintenance schedule
If you have a water heater, you’ll want to follow a maintenance schedule for it to ensure it’s working as efficiently as possible. You should inspect the water heater at least once a month for leaks and damaged valves. Also, you should monitor the temperature of the water inside the water heater to avoid scalding.
Water heaters are very important appliances in today’s society. They provide hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. In addition to that, they are often used for space heating. Because of their many uses, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently. Some of the factors that determine how often your water heater needs to be serviced are the temperature and location of the water heater.