When in need of a new water heater, many homeowners will choose the cheapest solution that meets their household’s needs. That approach can actually cost you more in the end. Let’s explore what you should know to get the best return on your investment.
EnergyGuide Label
All water heaters sold in the U.S. must have an EnergyGuide label. It’s a large yellow sticker that provides consumers with all the relevant information concerning energy consumption. You can use this data to determine operating costs and to compare one model to another.
Uniform Energy Factor
The industry uses the Uniform Energy factor (UEF) to measure the energy efficiency of water heaters. The higher the UEF rating, the less energy a water heater will use and the more affordable it will be to run. Use the UEF to compare similar models, such as gas to gas and electric to electric. Electric water heaters often have higher UEF ratings because they’re more efficient, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that operating costs are lower. That’s due to the average costs of electricity in the U.S.
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a joint program run by the Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DOE sets efficiency minimums for manufacturers of water heaters and other appliances, and the EPA sets even higher standards. They’re not legal requirements, but models that achieve those standards get ENERGY STAR certification. A water heater with the ENERGY STAR label gives consumers peace of mind that they’re making an efficient purchase.
Energy Incentives
Before shopping for a water heater, take some time to research the energy incentives that are available to you. There is a nonrefundable federal tax credit for certain water heater types. You can also search for rebates by zip code via the ENERGY STAR website, and you should contact your gas and/or electricity providers to see what they might offer. Most energy incentives require the ENERGY STAR label, and they can make a big difference in your overall costs.
Water Heater Types
Tank water heaters have been the traditional choice in the U.S., but they’re generally not the most efficient. That’s because they have to keep water heated for when you’ll eventually need it, and that approach is inherently inefficient.
One alternative is a tankless water heater. On-demand systems only expend energy to heat water when you’re actually using it. These systems are more expensive up front but can save significant money long term. An even more efficient alternative is a heat pump water heater. These are electric tank water heaters, but they have a heat pump rather than a heating element. That makes them more affordable to run than even an on-demand water heater that burns natural gas.
If you’d like to learn more about new water heaters in Ventura, CA, reach out to Advanced Plumbing & Leak Detection today.