Water heaters are extremely important in a household especially if you live in an area with a cold climate. In fact, an average household spends around $400 to $600 on energy bills for water heating alone. It accounts for the second biggest expense on energy bills in an average household.
Most water heaters are efficient within 10 years. Some even run smoothly after 15 years. However, after this period, there might be noticeable decrease in its energy efficiency. In the US, almost 27 million households own a 10-year old water heater. If you notice an increase in your utility bills, it would be a good idea to have your water heater checked. It could be the cause for the sudden increase in your energy consumption.
CONSIDER THE FUEL SOURCE
There are different types of fuel source. Each has its own advantage and disadvantage. Explore all possible option. Take time to compare each type so you will determine which one is best for you. Factor in the purchase cost and the maintenance cost on top of the operating cost.
Electrical water heaters are popular. Electricity can power a storage, tankless, heat pump and tankless coil and indirect types of water heater.
Fuel oil is available in some areas only. It can run storage, tankless coil and indirect water heaters.
Geothermal energy is also popular in the US. Most people already have geothermal heat pump systems installed in their homes.
Natural gas is also common in the US. Just like electricity, it can fuel storage, tankless, heat pump system, and tankless coil and indirect water heaters.
Meanwhile, propane fuels storage, tankless, and tankless coil and indirect water heaters.
Solar water heaters are the most efficient of all types. They are more abundant in the Southwest although they are available in the whole of US.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR NEEDS
In order to determine your hot water needs, you need to calculate the peak hour hot water demand of your household.
CONSIDER THE ENERGY FACTOR
Consider the water heater’s energy factor. Several elements influence the energy factor. For instance, recovery efficiency plays a role in determining the energy factor. If the heat from the fuel is transferred quickly to the water, then energy efficiency increases. Standby losses, or the amount of heat lost from the stored water every hour also plays a role. Cycling losses, or the amount of water lost as the water circulates through the pipes and the tank also influence the energy factor.
FEDERAL TAX CREDIT
Did you know that you could qualify for a tax credit as much as $300 if your water heater has an energy factor of 0.82 and higher? This tax credit is open to owners of gas, oil, propane and tankless water heaters installed by December 31, 2013. Another way to earn a $300 tax credit is to install a heat pump water.
Meanwhile, installing a solar water heater entitles you to as much as 30 percent off on labor and installation costs. This offer is good until December 31, 2016 only.
Other states offer their own rebates and tax credits so make sure to install an energy efficient water heater in your home.
HOW TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR WATER HEATER
A water heater that is well maintained has a longer life span. Regular maintenance and checkup cannot only extend its life; it can also help maintain its energy efficiency.
If you own a storage water heater, always check the pressure valve as well as the water’s temperature every six months. Every three months, make sure to flush a quart of water from the tank. Check the anode rods as well. Replace if needed. There is no recommended date to change the rods. It actually depends whether you have a hard or soft water.
For solar water heaters, you do not need to conduct yearly inspections on your units. A maintenance checkup every three to five years by a solar contractor is enough to keep your unit running well.
WHY CHOOSE FIRST CLASS HVAC
First Class HVAC has been in the business in Delaware for over 40 years. We have been offering quality Bear heating maintenance, Milton heating maintenance, Dover heating maintenance, and Berlin heating maintenance for more than four decades. Our technicians are NATE-certified so you can trust them to perform Berlin heating installation, Lewes heating installation, Dover heating installation, Milton heating installation, Bear heating installation, and Milton heating installation. If you are looking for certified heating technicians to do heating installation Sussex County DE area, call us at (302) 804 1309. We also have numbers for New Castle area (302) 307 4530, Kent County (302) 213 8396 and even in Maryland (410) 713 4099.