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.

Types of Water Heaters

Water Heating

Next to heating or cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home. As homes have become more and more energy efficient during the past 20 years, the fraction of energy used for water heating has steadily increased. This article takes a look at the high-efficiency water heaters available and how you can reduce water heating costs with your present water heater.

TYPES OF WATER HEATERS
Storage water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. Ranging in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger) and fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, storage water heaters heat water in an insulated tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, hot water is pulled out of the top of the water heater and cold water flows into the bottom (through a "dip tube" from the top) to replace it. Because heat is lost through the flue and the walls of the storage tank (this is called standby heat loss), energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used. New energy-efficient storage water heaters contain higher levels of insulation around the tank and one-way valves where pipes connect to the tank, substantially reducing standby heat loss.


Demand (or instantaneous) “Tankless” water heaters eliminate the storage tank by heating water directly when there is a call for hot water. These units are growing in popularity in the U.S. The energy consumption of these units is generally lower since standby losses from the storage tank are eliminated. Demand water heaters with enough capacity to meet household needs are gas- or propane-fired. They have three significant drawbacks for some applications: Large simultaneous uses (two showers and the clothes washer, for example) may challenge their capacity, particularly in winter, when the inlet water is coldest. They will not turn on unless the hot water flow is ½ - 3/4 gallon/minutes. Retrofit installation can be very expensive. Finally, because the efficiency tests were not developed with these designs being considered, it is not known if the "EF" accurately estimates energy consumption.


Heat pump water heaters are more efficient than electric resistance models because the electricity is used for moving heat from one place to another rather than for generating the heat directly. The heat source is the outside air or air in the basement where the unit is located. Refrigerant fluid and compressors are used to transfer heat into an insulated storage tank. Heat pump water heaters are available with built-in water tanks called integral units, or as add-ons to existing hot water tanks. A heat pump water heater uses one-third to one-half as much electricity as a conventional electric resistance water heater. In warm climates they may do even better, but there are few sources for these products.

Indirect water heaters use the home’s boiler or furnace as the heat source. In boiler systems, hot water from the boiler is circulated through a heat exchanger in a separate insulated tank. In the less common furnace-based systems, water in a heat exchanger coil circulates through the furnace to be heated, then through the water storage tank. Since hot water is stored in an insulated storage tank, the boiler or furnace does not have to turn on and off as frequently, improving its fuel economy. Indirect water heaters, when used in combination with new, high-efficiency boilers or furnaces, are usually the least expensive way to provide hot water. These systems can be purchased in an integrated form, incorporating the boiler or furnace and water heater with controls, or as separate components. Gas, oil, and propane-fired systems are available.

Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water. Solar water heaters are designed to serve as preheaters for conventional storage or demand water heaters. While the initial cost of a solar water heater is high, it can save a lot of money over the long term. Solar water heaters are much less common than they were during the 1970s and early 1980s when they were supported by tax credits, but the units available today tend to be considerably less expensive and more reliable. At today’s prices, solar water heaters compete very well with electric and propane water heaters on a life-cycle cost basis, though they are still usually more expensive than natural gas.

What is a HVAC Spring Tune Up

What is a HVAC Spring Tune Up

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to schedule a tune up for your air conditioning system. Don’t wait until it gets hot to find out that your air conditioning system is not working up to capacity or not working at all. By then, every air conditioning technician in the area will be working overtime and you might end up waiting days before they can make it out to your home. Schedule your HVAC service now and your system will be ready to go when summer temperatures hit.

Regular residential HVAC maintenance is important to keep your air conditioning system in peak operating condition. Like any mechanical system, wear and tear takes a toll on your air conditioning system. Your system worked hard all last summer keeping your home and family comfortable and a spring tune up will help keep it great shape again this summer.

Your HVAC technician will do a thorough scheduled maintenance service including inspecting your entire system, lubricating bearings, cleaning the coil and condenser, replace the air filter, check and adjust refrigerant levels as needed, and measure the supply and return temperature differential.

A good air conditioning technician will also be able to identify any issues or problems that your system may have and correct them before the system fails completely and leaves you sweltering in the summer heat.

Spring is also an ideal time for a full system efficiency analysis to get the most out of your air conditioning system. Your technician can recommend a package of improvements designed to increase your air conditioning system’s efficiency. The result will be increased indoor comfort and lower electric bills.

Want to have a true HVAC professional, click HERE for Joe Mumford Plumbing.

Tankless Water Heaters: FAQs!

Tankless Water Heaters -Most Commonly Asked Questions

　

Q. What does the General Limited Warranty cover?
A. Our tankless water heaters do not hold any hot water. By turning on the faucet, the cold water flow through the flow sensor will turn on the burner. The minimum flow rate to do this is 0.50gpm. The cold water will be heated up to 180ºF if desired. This allows the Navien tankless water heaters to have a 15 year limited warranty.

Q. How much money can I save on my utility bills w/ the Tankless Water Heater?
A. You should be able to save 50% to 75%.

Q. How hot is the water from the Tankless Water Heater?
A. The tankless water heater has a computer-controlled remote controlled system, which will enable you to select temperatures from 115 to 180 degrees　

Q. How much hot water I can have?
A. The tankless water heater output temperature is set by the controller. Depending on the model, the maximum output flow rate is as high as 13.6 gallons per minute.

Q. What is the difference between the tankless water heater and a typical tank type water heater?
A. With a tank type water heater, you can draw hot water as fast as your plumbing will allow, however when the hot water tank is depleted, you have to wait for the tank to re-heat before you can use hot water again. Tankless water heaters eliminate the pilot light w/ a computer-controlled electronic ignition. w/ computer-modulated gas valves, water is heated once, rapidly, efficiently & only as needed.

Q. Can I use more than two fixtures at the same time?
A. Yes. The tankless water heater will can handle more than two fixtures, such as showers at the same time.

Q. Has the Navien tankless water heater been approved by Government or National Standards?
A. Yes. The all of the Navien tankless water heaters are approved and are listed by the Trade Commission & California Energy Commission with 98% thermal efficiency.

Q. How can the tankless water heater save money?
A. Most tank type water heaters raise their heat about 3 to 4% each hour. Since the Navien tankless water heater heats water only when the faucet is turned on, there is no standby heat loss. It only uses energy when you are using hot water & it only heats as much water as is needed.

Q. Does the Navien tankless water heater have a pilot light?
A. No. The Navien tankless water heater has an electronic ignition system. This means no more wasted gas & money.

Q. Does the Navien tankless water heater require electrical power to operate?
A. Yes. The Navien tankless water heater has a fan, a computer board & electronic ignition. You need 110V but it only takes a maximum 0.8A draw.

　Q. What kind venting system does it have?

A. The Navien tankless water heater has a power venting system w/ fan assistance. The vent size is a 4" PVC; it can run out the roof or sidewall. If it is installed outdoors, it doesn't need any vent.

Q. What size are the water & gas connections?
A. The Navien tankless water heater inlet & hot water outlet are connected w/ standard 3/4" water connections. Gas connection is 3/4" & the gas supply piping required is 3/4".

Tax Credit starting January 2011$300 tax credit for installing new highly efficient water heaters

President Obama and Congress just passed an Energy Bill that will give a tax incentive credit of up to $300 to all homeowners nationwide who purchase a highly efficient water heater in 2012.

There are additional proponents that address new construction, residential and commercial installations not yet published.

Tankless Water Heaters are the new technology, click HERE to learn more at Mumford Plumbing.com
　
　

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work

With the increased discussion about "going green" as well as the economic needs of managing energy costs, there has been increased attention to the Tankless Water Heater.

The common question:  How does the tankless water heater work.  Below is a step by step description of the process.  
) A hot water tap is opened...

2) The water enters the heater.

3) A water flow sensor detects the water flow.

4) The computer automatically ignites the burner.

5) The water circulates through the heat exchanger (coil).

6) The heat exchanger instantly heats the water at the designated temperature.
(this takes only 5 seconds)

7) The heater can provide you with endless hot water continuously. No more running out of hot water in the middle of a shower!

8) When the hot water tap is turned off, the unit shuts down automatically. Using only the BTU’s needed for one application.

Energy saved and an tax rebate as wellStay tuned to next insert of Frequently Asked Questions or visit us for more answers.

Call us for more details.  Call us - Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co. 

"Your Source for Professional Service"   530-878-2566

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Water heating accounts for 20% or more of an average household’s annual energy expenditures. The yearly operating costs for conventional gas or electric storage tank water heaters average $300 or $550, respectively. Storage tank type water heaters raise and maintain the water temperature to the temperature setting on the tank (usually between 120 -140° F.  Even if no hot water is drawn from the tank (and cold water enters the tank), the heater will operate periodically to maintain the water temperature. This is due to "standby losses": the heat conducted and radiated from the walls of the tank and in gas fired water heaters through the flue pipe. These standby losses represent 10% to 20% of a household’s annual water heating costs. One way to reduce this expenditure is to use a tankless or demand water heater.

Tankless water heaters are common in Japan and Europe. They began appearing in the United States about 25 years ago. Unlike "conventional" tank water heaters, tank-less water heaters heat water only as it is used, or on demand. A tank-less unit has a heating device that is activated by the flow of water when a hot water valve is opened. Once activated, the heater delivers a constant supply of hot water. The output of the heater, however, limits the rate of the heated water flow.