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Busting Some Myths About the Energy Efficiency of Water Heaters

If you have a water heater, it’s important to take steps to maximize its energy efficiency. However, many people have misconceptions about saving money this way. Here are six of the most common ones.

1. Maximizing the Energy Efficiency of Your Water Heater Isn’t Important

Your electric water heater uses approximately 20% of your home’s electricity. As a result, you can save a lot of money by choosing an energy-efficient one. In fact, doing this can save you $5,600 or more over the years.

2. Energy-Efficient Heaters Don’t Use That Much Less Electricity

Energy-efficient water heaters use up to 70% less electricity than conventional models. However, the specific amount of electricity that they will use depends on a variety of factors, such as:

  • The size of the tank
  • Maximum gallons per minute (GPM) for tankless models
  • The source of energy

3. Energy-Efficient Water Heaters Cost a Lot More

Many people have the misconception that the cost of an energy-efficient water heater outweighs the savings. However, this is simply not the case. Not only do the savings make the purchase worth it, but rebates are available.

4. It’s Difficult to Determine How Much Energy You’ll Use

Determining the amount of energy that your hot water heater will use is relatively simple. You simply need to look at its energy factor, which is printed on every new hot water heater. This label includes an estimate for how much you’re likely to spend per year.

5. It’s Difficult to Take Additional Steps to Save

When you choose an energy-efficient hot water heater, there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of electricity it uses. Simply getting it serviced regularly can help significantly. Also, turning the temperature of the water down by 20 degrees can result in significant savings.

6. Electric Water Heaters Are the Most Efficient

Electric water heaters are typically less efficient than ones that use natural gas, kerosene or oil. Gas water heaters are slightly more expensive, but they offer a substantial savings over time. Gas water heaters cost an average of $30 per month to operate compared to $42 each month for electric models.

Oil hot water heaters are more expensive than either electric or gas ones, but they can be highly energy efficient. Oil hot water heaters can burn either fuel oil or kerosene.

Eco Works Can Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Water Heater

Installing an energy efficient water heater can help you save quite a lot of money each year. Also, getting it regularly serviced can help to ensure that it’s running efficiently.

If you need water heater installation or service in Augusta, GA, get in touch with our team at Drain Surgeon today!