Friday, May 25, 2012

Water Heater Efficiency Saves

The energy efficiency of a storage water heater is indicated by its energy factor (EF), an overall efficiency based on the use of 64 gallons of hot water per day. The first national appliance efficiency standards for water heaters took effect in 1990. New standards, which took effect in January 2004, increased the minimum efficiency levels of water heaters.

The most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters have energy factors ranging from 0.60 to 0.65, corresponding to estimated gas use below 250 therms/year. Condensing water heaters have energy factors as high as 0.86. The most efficient electric storage water heaters have energy factors ranging between 0.93 and 0.95, resulting in estimated annual energy use below 4,725 kWh/year. There is little difference between the most efficient electric resistance storage water heaters and the minimum efficiency standard. Fortunately, heat pump water heaters using less than half as much electricity as conventional electric resistance water heaters are becoming commercially available. If you use electricity for water heating, consider installing a heat pump water heater. Otherwise, look for the most efficient electric resistance unit in your size range.


With demand water heaters, the manufacturers provide different specifications: the energy input (Btu/hour for gas, kilowatts [kW] for electric); the temperature rise achievable at the rated flow; the flow rate at the listed temperature rise; and so on. In comparing different models, be aware that you aren’t always looking at direct comparisons, especially with temperature rise and flow rate. For example, while one model might list the flow rate at a 100°F temperature rise, another might list the flow rate at 70°. Until there are industry-standard ratings for temperature rise and flow rates, it will be difficult to compare the performance of products from different companies. Some companies are beginning to publish energy factor ratings for these products and this information should make for easier comparisons.

4 comments:

  1. Good thing to know more on things about water heater. Think of better design in installing it.


    Merrylands Plumbing Services

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's easy to improve your water heater's energy efficiency, and the money savings can be substantial. We need to adjust the temperature down to 120 degrees or less. plumbing company manchester

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great!Good thing to know more on things about water heater.Think of better design :)


    commercial plumbing repairs nsw

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just like a car and devices, a fully functioning heater and AC equipment utilizes energy efficiently, hence - less energy wastage and more output.

    gravity furnace repair Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete