Tankless Water Heater
One of the most popular ways to "go green" is to install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters, also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters, are more prevalent in the southern states (warmer climate) than they are in the northern states. In the past few years, tankless water heaters have taken more market share from the tank type water heaters because home owners like the idea of heating hot water only when it's needed. Tankless water heaters do cost substantially more to install but will save money over the years in operating costs. Call our knowledgeable Mr. Waterheater staff to help you decide if installing a tankless water heater is right for you.
Advantages:
- Heats the water as you need it
- Hangs on the wall; takes up less space than storage hot water tank
- Can also hang on outside wall; some units can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F
- Energy Savings
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than a hot water tank unit
- Installation cost is more expensive than hot water tank installation
- May require water line and/or gas line changes (may have to increase water and/or gas line supplies)
- May need multiple tankless units for high demand items (such as whirlpool tub, garden tub, multiple shower heads, etc.)
New, More Efficient Water Heater
If your water heater was manufactured before 2004, it isn’t as efficient as the water heaters that are available today. The water heaters produced since 2004 are required by federal law to be more efficient. In addition, the Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) safety feature has been added to the new water heaters. By simply replacing your old water heater with a new model can save you money in your gas and/or electric bills, plus it’s safer because of the FVIR.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
An electric heat pump water heater extracts the heat from the air, increases this heat as necessary, and delivers it to the water. An advantage of an electric heat pump is it can be installed in attics, garages, furnace rooms – as long as the space is at least 10 feet x 10 feet x 10 feet. The electric heat pump has an energy star rating with an energy factor of 1.5.
Geothermal Water Heating
No matter where you are located, beneath the ground the earth maintains a relatively constant temperature. Geothermal water heating takes advantage of this constant ground temperature. In order to utilize geothermal water heating, a geothermal system needs to be in place. Water is heated via the geothermal heat pump system and then the hot water is stored in a hot water tank or sent to the tankless unit. The installation costs are more than the traditional storage-type hot water tank, but the operating costs are usually much lower.
Solar Water Heater
Solar water heating is another way to go green. Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat the water. Most (if not all) come with a backup heating element that provides heat only when necessary (when solar energy does not meet the need). While solar water heaters are more popular in warmer climates, a solar water heater can be installed anywhere in the United States. Call your local Mr. Waterheater for details.
