How to Get Energy-saving Water Heaters

Experts say take the following ideas to the appliance store when looking for a water heater:

A properly insulated standard tank-type water heater will bring down standby losses. The insulation rating we are referring to is R-16 or better. In the case of electric water heaters, it is R-22 or more. It seems that models with a longer warranty usually have thicker foam insulation.

The best replacement to an old tank water heater may be a similar tank water heater. To conveniently rid yourself of expensive refit costs, stick to the model of the tank water heater that served you for years.

If you are contemplating doing away with tanks in the water heaters, consider that differences in water delivery will drastically affect your adjustment to new equipment.

Flow rate of hot water from a tankless system is greatly affected by the temperature of your groundwater. The warmer your groundwater, the better the flow rate.

Installation of a tankless water-heater generally works better for new construction. Retrofitting may involve installing new gas pipes, new plumbing and other changes.

Solar water-heating systems may be the most efficient, but carry high prices. The good news is that federal tax credits are in store for those who installed solar systems.

Did you know that you can make money--federal tax credits--for installing more energy-efficient tankless water heaters? As of the first quarter of 2007, you can get a $300 federal tax credit if you install a water heater with an energy factor of .80 and higher.

Log on to www.justboiler.com and compare the prices of hundreds of varying brands and models.

What are the different types of water heaters, and what does each do? We answer that here in brief.

Conventional storage water heaters: serves as a storage tank of hot water

Demand water heaters: Heats water directly without the aid of a storage tank (the opposite of the above)

Heat pump water heaters: Moves heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly for providing hot water

Solar water heaters: Uses solar energy to provide hot water

Tankless coil and indirect water heaters: relies on domestic space heating system to heat water

Kenmore Power Miser 12 (40-gallon electric)

The budget-conscious does well in choosing an electric water heater, but may end up spending more especially where electricity costs more than natural gas. The Power Miser is equipped with three inches of foam insulation and two large anodes to check corrosion. Coming with a 12-year warranty, this model's capacity ranges from 30- to 80-gallon sizes.

Takagi Flash Series T-K2

Tankless water heaters offer two advantages: better energy efficiency (with experts claiming an energy saving of about 20 percent), and actual heating of water upon demand. The downside is that, unsurprisingly, it costs more than a conventional tank water heater; installation is also more complex. The Takagi T-K2 comes with a remote control for the water temperature (between 95 and 167 degrees F). Gallons per minute can be anywhere 3.51 to 6.31 depending on groundwater temperature. It also has a freeze protection feature.

Bosch PowerStar AE125

Small homes or apartments using one hot water application at a time will find a worthy family member in the small tankless water heater Bosch PowerStar AE125. Gallons per minute ranges from 2.2 to 4.2 depending on groundwater temperature. A concern during installation may possibly be the multiple circuits needed. ConsumerSearch says that larger families may need a unit bigger than the PowerStar.

Log on to www.justboiler.com and compare the prices of hundreds of varying brands and models.

Want to see what got rated as “best large gas water heater,” and “best natural gas water heater”? Click here for more of Consumer Search, the consumer advocacy site which is also the 15th most visited site in the United States.