High Efficiency Water Heaters
- Condensing Technology
- Energy Savers
- Electric Heat Pump
- Higher BTU Input
- PVC Venting
In addition to tankless water heaters, there are a variety of high efficiency storage tank type water heaters. Gas condensing and electric heat pump style units are can be more efficient than some tankless water heaters.
Upgrading to a high efficiency water heater will cost more upfront compared to replacing your unit with a traditional type water heater. However, they save more on energy costs in the long run. Often times they will produce more hot water but not take up any more space than your old water heater.
A condensing water heater has a draft inducing fan that pushes the fuel-air mixture into a sealed combustion chamber inside the tank As the fuel burns, combustion gas is exhausted through the heat exchanger rather than being exhausted out a flue vent to the atmosphere like conventional style water heaters. The heat exchanger is a coiled steel tube inside the water heater. The surface of the heat exchanger is so large that the heat is transferred to the water efficiently. The gases then cool, releasing heat that also heats the water inside the tank. This is a much more efficient way to heat water than having a large burner at the bottom and letting the gases and heat escape up the flue vent.
Electric High Efficiency Water Heater
An electric heat pump water heater is one energy saving option if your existing water heater is powered by electricity. Most electric water heaters are already more efficient than gas models. However, with electricity costs so high they often cost more to operate than a gas water heater.
The new designed heat pump water heaters can save up to 50% on operating costs when they are installed in optimal conditions. The units use a heat pump that extracts the heat from the warm ambient air around the water heater. It uses a compressor to increase the temperature of the water inside the tank. Then the heat pump releases the cooler air back to the atmosphere outside the water heater. These water heaters work best in warmer climates and usually need to be installed in a small room for optimal energy savings.
For additional information on high efficiency water heaters call 1-866-946-7842 to speak with a water heater expert. You can also schedule an appointment for an estimate to see if a high efficiency unit would be a good option for your home.