Did you know that water heating costs are one of the most expensive utility costs every homeowner incurs? Saving money is important, so we’re sharing some useful information when it comes to the efficiency of your water heater. From upgrading to a new tank to simple solutions, we hope you’ll find something here to help you!
Standard water heater.
When it comes to a standard water heater, what you may not know is that it is working all the time. The tank is a holding tank of water that is set to maintain a certain temperature all day long, even when you aren’t using it. This the most common type of water heater, but also the most costly.
Hybrid water heater.
This type of water heater captures heat from the air and transfers it to the water. They use about 60 percent less energy than standard electric water heaters. While they typically cost more than electric-only models, installation is similar and payback time is short. They don’t work well in very cold spaces, making them great for Florida!
Tankless water heater.
Tankless heaters run on demand, unlike a standard water heater. This means the water is being heated on demand via heating coils to heat the water as you need it. While these are more energy-efficient, they provide a limited flow of hot water per minute.
Solar water heater.
Solar panels mounted to your roof absorb the sun's heat and transfer it to an antifreeze-like fluid in a closed-loop system that runs to this water tank. They offer the most savings in the summer, making them attractive for warm, sunny regions like ours. However, even with federal and local rebates, it could take up to 10 to 30 years to recoup your costs.
Water heater timers.
Looking for something a little less expensive and a lot more simple for you to accomplish? Try a water heater timer! Water heater timers provide automatic control of electric water heaters by simply programming it to turn your water heater off or on during certain times of the day.