If you’re looking for a water heater that can replace an old model or outfit your new home, you’ll be glad to know that buying a new, energy-efficient model can reduce your utility bills and lower your carbon emissions. The star of this next generation of environmentally friendly appliances is the heat pump water heater (HPWH), which uses less energy yet performs as well as a conventional water heater.
How Heat Pump Water Heaters Save Energy
American homeowners spend more to heat water than to cook and refrigerate their food. Most people use conventional storage tank water heaters powered by electricity or natural gas. These heaters typically burn fossil fuels directly or indirectly and pollute the air with harmful nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gasses that may contribute to respiratory diseases and global warming.
HPWHs work by capturing heat from the air, condensing it, and moving it into a water storage tank instead of using electricity or gas combustion to supply heat to the water directly. As a result, they use 30 to 50% less energy than conventional water heaters. Currently, ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heaters are the most efficient options available. These appliances can save a family of four an estimated $550 on their annual energy bill. ENERGY STAR further claims that the average four-person American household can save $5,600 or more over the lifetime of the heater.
How to Choose the Right Model
Most HPWHs are hybrids that use backup electric immersion heating units to produce hot water quickly when demand is high. For instance, if someone decides to take a shower while the dishwasher is running, these auxiliary components will turn on automatically to keep the hot water from running out.
To maximize efficiency and ensure that your household will always have enough hot water ready whenever they need it, you’ll need to get a water heater that’s the right size. It’s usually a good idea to get a water tank that is a little bigger than the manufacturer’s recommended capacity for the number of people in your household. This way, you can avoid using the auxiliary heating element and save as much energy and money as possible. Some HPWHs have smart thermostats that help you save even more by heating water while you sleep, during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is low. These heaters deliver plenty of hot water during the day, so you’ll never run short.
Installing Your New Water Heater
When you buy a new water heater, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to install it. It won’t hurt to ask them for advice on which model will be best for your needs. Since HPWHs are new on the market, some contractors will be more comfortable installing conventional heaters, so it’s important to find a knowledgeable professional with up-to-date skills. Your local utility company may have a list of suitable contractors on their website.
Offsetting the Cost of a Heat Pump Water Heater
Getting a new water heater may seem like a big investment, but in the long run, it’s extremely cost-effective. Most HPWHs will pay for themselves in three years or less. Many well-known brands like Rheem, Bradford White, and A.O. Smith offer HPWHs, and although they can cost more than three times as much as conventional water heaters up-front, this expense can be quickly offset by rebates, tax credits, and energy savings. Homeowners and renters alike can receive a refund of up to $2,000 annually by taking advantage of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit when they file their federal taxes.
Additional federal incentives include rebates of up to $1,750 for homeowners with low- to moderate incomes who install HPWHs. Many utility companies and state and local governments offer mail-in rebates to people who buy new HPWHs.
Before you buy a new water heater, estimate and compare the amount of money you’d spend using a HPWH and a conventional heater to see how a HPWH can work within your budget. You can also save money by using less hot water overall by taking shorter showers or washing your clothes in cold water.
Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Heat Pump Water Heaters
Although HPWHs will give you the most bang for your buck, if you’re low on space or blessed with endless sunshine, you may want to consider these energy-efficient alternatives.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, produce hot water only when needed. These space-saving units minimize the heat loss that occurs when stored water isn’t used after several hours.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use free energy from the sun to heat water, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. They can be bulky and expensive up front, but they cost very little to operate.
Energy-Efficient Water Heaters Help You Save Money and Care for the Planet
If you want to save money on household energy costs while making the planet more sustainable for future generations, investing in an energy-efficient water heater is an obvious choice. The professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will be delighted to help you choose and install a new water heater that will serve you well for years to come.