Your Second Largest Energy Consumer

Your water heater is the second largest energy user in your home, so shouldn't it be as energy efficient as possible? According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for up to 18 percent of our home energy use. If you are building a new home or replacing an old water heater, consider purchasing a high efficiency replacement for your hot water needs.

There are two types of hot water heaters: gas and electric. Roughly 60 percent of homes in the United States use gas water heaters, which heat water using natural gas to generate energy needed to heat water. Electric water heaters use coils inside the storage tank instead of fire.

Although gas may be slightly cheaper to operate, electric water heaters are the more energy efficient option. Electric water heaters are also more flexible than other water heating appliances because they can be placed almost anywhere without requiring a minimum clearance. We’ll describe them in detail below.

Another available water heating option is a heat pump water heater. Many homeowners use heat pumps to heat and cool their homes more efficiently, but a heat pump can also be used to heat water, either as a stand-alone water heating system or in combination with a space conditioning system. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.

However, before making a decision on your new energy efficient water heater, be sure to research the right kind for you and your family.

Sizing Your System Heat Pump Water Heaters Energy Cost Calculator

United Power offers a special rebate program to members who purchase and install new electric water heaters in their homes or businesses. While the cooperative does not promote a specific brand, it does offer a larger rebate on Marathon Water Heaters because of its lifetime warranty.

You can purchase an electric water heater from a licensed contractor (plumber or electrician) or local appliance or hardware store. To find out if an electric water heater is right solution for you home or to apply for a rebate, contact United Power’s energy experts at 303-659-0551.