Improved energy efficiency is a very popular topic in recent years. And that is a great thing, not only because you will save a lot of money with some modern solutions, but also because new systems will make a much lower impact on the environment. One of the devices that require more energy all the time is the water heater.
The best approach to reduce the expenses in your home related to different elements in the toilet is to make sure that there is proper maintenance all the time. For example, if you are experiencing issues with a clogged bathtub, you might need a drain cleaning service.
When it comes to water heaters, proper selection and maintenance are crucial for keeping them in a good condition, but also for improving its energy efficiency. There are different types of water heaters available on the market today, and some of them are more energy efficient. We are going to analyze more about that in the following article.
Most Common Types
The model that is most common in homes all over the world is the standard heater with a storage tank. The most important thing to know about this model is that the amount of water that you can use is limited, and it depends on the size of the tank.
The advantage is that there are many models that will be enough for a typical family. The only downside is that you will have to wait until the water is heated. In most cases, it will need up to an hour for that. When it comes to the efficiency, it is not the best option if you are looking for a way to lower your bills.
Another common option is the hybrid heater. It is similar to the previous one since there is also a large tank for the heated water. However, the main difference is that the system is different, and that there is an additional equipment required besides the tank.
The system in this case works in a way where the hybrid pump is using the heat from the air and ground to heat the water, while power is used only to apply pressure to the tank so you can use the water. The result is a much higher energy efficiency. However, it can be an issue if you have a smaller bathroom since it will require more space.
There is also a version of the heater that does not require a tank. It is quite a convenient option, especially when it comes to small apartments. The best thing about it is that you don’t need to wait for the water to heat up. Also, it will spend less electricity when compared to the most common model. On the other side, this device is not perfect as well. You might face some issues if you need to use multiple sources of hot water at once, like a dishwasher machine and bathroom.
In case you are using gas for heating in your home, adding a condensing tank can be a great way to lower your bills. The system is connected to the gas tank and water is heated with the same energy used for heating of your home. Still, the problem is that many homes are using electricity or other sources for heating, which means that this option is not available to everyone.
Solar energy is one of the most efficient options if you want to reduce your electricity bills. It represents clean energy, and installing it for a water heater won’t be complicated or too expensive. Still, the area where you live can affect the efficiency of this option. That is especially the case during the winter when there are more cloudy days. In that case, it will require a backup. Still, it can be a great solution to cut your expenses, and it is proven that solar panels can bring a lot even in northern parts of America and Europe.
What is the Best Option?
First of all, you have to learn more about what is causing the heater to spend more or less electricity. For example, the size of the tank will require more time to heat up. Also, if the isolation is not provided in the right way, it will lead to a waste of a lot of energy. Moreover, the quality of water in your area can make a difference over time. If the water is hard, it will lead to deposits of minerals in the tank, which will lower the efficiency over time. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right model and hire an expert that will install it properly.
Your habits can also make a difference. For instance, we mentioned that tankless heaters can be more efficient. However, that won’t be the case if all people living in your home are spending more than 30 minutes while showering every day. If you are washing dishes by hands, that will also increase the bills. Therefore, try to change some habits of you and your family and focus on more energy-efficiency approach.
When it comes to tank heaters, the material used for the tank can be very important as well. That is another reason to never rush with your decision. There are materials that can keep the water hot for a very long time.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are different types of heaters, and some of them can provide a much better energy efficiency. Still, it is not all about the features of the heater since our habits can make a huge difference as well.
Therefore, the best approach would be to try to limit the showering time to under 10 minutes. Also, keep in mind that using a dishwasher machine is a much better solution since you will save both water and electricity that way.
In the end, there are many factors that can affect the right selection of the heater for your home. Therefore, try to find the best option according to your needs.
