High Efficiency Water Heaters
There are a lot of different High Efficiency Water Heaters on the market today. Why should you buy this kind of water heater, since it still has a holding tank? Many still have a hard time getting their mind out of the box when it comes to hot water. People think that in order to have a lot of hot water, you need some kind of tank system.
While this isn’t necessarily true, not to worry, there are plenty of high efficiency water heaters out there, with conventional holding tanks. When picking out your next hot water heater, it is important to keep some terminology in mind. This will keep confusion down, and you won’t feel stupid when you are in the store.
One important thing to remember is the first hour rating, or FHR. This measures the amount of hot water available during peak hours, when energy use overall is going to be the highest. However, just because you go with a large tank, doesn’t mean it will have a high FHR, the measurement just indicates the heater’s ability to make hot water as it flows from the tank.
Efficiency is measured as an Energy Factor, or EF. This is usually listed on the side of the tank, with a big yellow sticker that says Energy Star. The higher the number listed is, the greater the savings you have. All new high efficiency water heaters carry the Energy Star symbol, and you should always look at these for the highest number rating.
Energy Star is a partnership between the government, and over 9,000 other organizations, including over 3,500 of the nations’ top homebuilders. Together with homebuyers, they are working towards an important goal, changing and protecting the environment for generations to come, by providing quality, energy efficient appliances to families today. Energy Star is backed by the government, and there are many products, besides high efficiency water heaters, that carry the Energy Star symbol.
You can find high efficiency water heaters in many places online and in local home improvement outlets. Be sure that you have thought about what you want first, what your water usage demands are, how many gallons you may use, etc. Don’t think that a big giant tank will be your best bet. No matter how efficient your tank is, it is still going to take time to heat up water to the right temperature.
If you and your spouse are the only ones using hot water now, with the kids grown up, you may want to consider a smaller tank, 40gallons or less is a good idea. You may not be able to take a shower, wash dishes, and run the clothes washer at the same time, but no one should be doing all those things at once anyway.
Now you while you will be able to find these appliances pretty much anywhere household items are sold, it might be a good idea the check and see if there is a Habitat for Humanity thrift store in your area. Habitat for Humanity receives donations from appliance companies all over the country, and in some cases, can’t use all of the donated items. So they offer their extras to the general public, at reduced, but competitive prices, and all the profits go back into Habitat for Humanity.
