Electric Heating Systems

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), water heating accounts for up to 17 percent of national residential energy consumption, the third largest energy end-use in homes behind heating and cooling units and kitchen appliances. As homeowners install amenities that require increased hot water volume, such as luxury tubs and custom showers, the percentage of energy used to heat water will continue to rise.

In an attempt to address this significant percentage of energy consumption, DOE has developed ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters, the last major residential appliance that the program has not addressed. According to DOE projections, Americans are expected to save approximately $780 million in utility costs while avoiding 4.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by the end of the fifth year in effect.

Five categories of residential water heaters will be eligible for Energy Star labeling - high-performance gas storage, whole-home gas tankless, advanced drop-in or integrated heat pump, solar and gas condensing. The new Energy Star criteria go into effect in 2009.

"The Energy Star program empowers consumers to make smart energy choices that will save money and energy, and reduce our carbon footprint," said DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Krassner. "Expansion of the Energy Star program to include water heaters will give Americans yet another way to more efficiently use energy in their homes and, in the interest of increasing energy security and addressing climate change, help further the President's goal of fundamentally changing the way this nation uses power."

By leveraging the established value of the Energy Star program, DOE hopes that manufacturers will focus on developing more efficient technologies and that consumers will recognize that Energy Star water heaters will deliver similar or better performance than conventional models while using less energy and saving money. According to an April 2008 report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Energy Star label favorably influences more than 70 percent of households, up from about 50 percent in 2003.

More than 9,000 organizations have joined Energy Star as partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. The Energy Star label now appears on more than 40 kinds of consumer products. A.O. Smith, industry leader for more than 70 years, has engineered a full line of Energy Star water heaters to meet the hot-water needs of households while benefiting budgets and the environment.

About the author:
Ron Roberts is a writer of http://www.truebluecontractors.com ">TrueBlueContractors.com allows http://www.truebluecontractors.com ">contractors to spend less money advertising, give fewer estimates, and get more work.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Solar water heaters are the most scientific as well as developed way to heat water. The electric water heaters are outdated and the solar water heaters will soon be taking their places, no doubt. And why not? A solar water heater helps us not only in reducing our electricity bill, but at the same time, it helps us in giving our part to save our environment and surrounding.

Types of solar water heater

Solar water heaters are of generally two main types, classified on the basis of their making status. They are

1. Ready solar water heaters : these are those kinds of solar water heater that are already manufactured and just need to be installed.
2. Build solar water heater :these are those kinds of solar water heaters that are made at home or anywhere by any individual following a particular guide or manual.

Build solar water heater

By making your solar water heater, you are able to reduce the electricity bills. And at the same time, the investment also decreases compared to the readymade solar water heaters. It is very easy to build solar water heater. All it needs and requires are few things from the hardware store, few project schematics and that’s all. Only by assembling these things, you can make your own solar heater. The time required depends on how big solar water heater are you making. Bigger the heater, more it is going to take time.

Build solar water heater for home

There are few options provided while making a solar water heater. Either it is made for use at home or at some other place.

If it is made for home, then all you need to do is to set up a solar panel at your house. This is to be set where it can receive maximum sunlight. And then this solar panel is connected to the existing heating system. Also a high capacity battery can be installed for the back up purposes. It can help you when the sun is not out. If you don’t have a heating system, then you should go for a ‘real time solar water heater’. It heats the water without storing it.

About the author:
For more comprehensive ideas, check out simpleheaters guide on building solar water heaters

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

With the rising energy costs there has been an increase in interest for energy saving appliances. Efficent "tankless" water heaters have become very popular for their capability to heat hot water on demand, with no storage tank required. Instead of holding water in a traditional water tank, they circulate the cold water through a series of electrically heated coils that warm the water as it moves pass this heat source. This newer process of warming water requires more expensive equipment than the conventional water heater, but this money is regained in the long term with energy efficiency savings. The energy savings is mainly gained from no longer needing to heat an entire tank of water.

Since the tankless water heaters do not store hot water but rather constantly heat water as it is demanded, they do not run out of hot water. There is one exception, to this "endless" supply of heated water. The flow rate is limited. In other words if you simultaneously use more water than the flow of the water heater (i.e. 3 people showering at one time) you will receive unheated water.

Since conventional water heater stores the water together in a large tank it is able to provide water at a set temperature. Tankless water heaters differ in this aspect since they are dependent upon the incoming water temperature and the flow rate. The incoming water temperature can vary greatly from summer to winter. The capacity of a tankless water heater is generally measured by how many temperature degrees it can increase water temperature by gallons per minute (gpm). Most tankless water heaters are powered by gas to better handle the heat output and response time required. These gas powered water heaters require proper venting, normally more venting than the older, conventional water heaters required. If you are replacing a conventional electric water heater tank, you may want to add a power vent in the side of the wall. This would be the less costly alternative if there is no existing roof vent. Some of the smaller and more portable single-fixture units are powered electrically.

Author Bio
Jack Russell is a retired construction worker who spends his free time as a freelance writer for sites like www.foremansfinder.com - an industrial resource site.

Gas hot water heaters have been heating the water for many businesses and households for many years. In fact when people turn on their hot water faucet to shave, shower, wash dishes, wash clothes or wash their hands, it is safe to say that not many individuals think of their gas hot water heater.

However, if that flow of hot water stopped it would be a different story. This is because having hot water is a convenience that not many people think about until it is no longer available.

Therefore, it may prove beneficial to have a little knowledge regarding a gas hot water heater. Specifically, how a gas hot water heater works and what are some things that could go wrong to make this type of heater inoperable.

How A Gas Hot Water Heater Works

A gas hot water heater is a modern day appliance that quietly functions in some remote place within the building. Specifically, the holding tank for the water comes in different sizes. Some of those different sizes could include a 10, 20, 30 or 40 gallon hot water tank. The tank is connected to two water lines. The one line leads into the tank and allows the flow of water. The other pipe leads away from the tank and carries the hot water throughout the facility.

In addition, this type of tank utilizes natural gas as the main energy source to heat up the water in the tank. The temperature of the hot water is controlled by a thermostat. When the water in the tank falls below the setting of the thermostat, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas burner to engage. This process then heats up the water in the tank until that temperature setting is reached. Once the temperature setting is reached the thermostat then sends another electrical signal to deactivate the gas burner.

When there is a demand for hot water within the facility the water then flows from the outgoing pipe to where the hot water is required. Once there is an outflow of hot water from the tank there's a corresponding flow of new water into the tank which then repeats the thermostat process of heating up the water to the required temperature.

Things That Could Go Wrong

As with any modern day convenience, there are a number of things that can go wrong with the natural gas water heater. One of the primary things that can cause a disruption in the hot water service is for the thermostat to malfunction.

Another item that could go wrong, but is less costly concerns the pilot light. The pilot light is that particular part of the natural gas water heater that constantly is aflame. Once the thermostat signals to the heating unit that the water needs to be heated the gas then begins to flow and the flame ignites the gas that flows throughout the burner system. Therefore, one of the less costlier things that can happen to stop the flow of hot water is for the pilot light to go out.

Generally, for the most part today, having running water in the home is a convenience that many take for granted. In addition, having hot water is also something that is taken for granted unless something happens mechanically and we need to call a plumber.

If we were to think of all the everyday occurrences when hot water came out of the faucet we might appreciate this convenience a bit more. Examples of when this occurs are our daily shower, washing our hands, doing the dishes, cleaning clothes, etc.

In addition, there are many methods by which water can be heated. Our water can be heated through an electric water heater, solar power and by using a gas water heater.

Utilizing a gas water heater has been a choice of many households for a number of reasons. Therefore, if considering this method of water heating it is important to understand how a gas water heater works and its benefits.

How A Gas Water Heater Works

A gas water heater is a combination of gas and electrical appliance that heats up water within a home or business so that the individuals within that facility can have access to hot water. Basically, there are two types of water heaters. One is a gas water heater while the other one is an electric water heater.

The basic difference between the two is that one of the units, the electric water heater, utilizes heating elements within the tank to heat up the water that is within the tank. With the gas water heater the water within the tank is heated through a gas burner located at the bottom of the unit.

Basically the water enters the units through a separate tube. The heating of the water is regulated by a separate device mounted on the water heater. That separate device is called a thermostat. When the thermostat is set to a certain temperature and the water within the tank falls below that temperature, the thermostat sends a signal to the heating unit calling for activation. This activation then heats up the water to that temperature and the hot water is then ready to be used. The flow of the hot water is accomplished through the hot water pipes within the facility.

Benefits

It can be argued that the gas hot water heater is better than the electric water heater and vice versa. Generally, this argument is based on the costs associated with heating water and passing those costs on to the consumer. Frequently, the costs are associated with the energy system that is utilized.

For example with the gas hot water heater the energy source is a combination of gas and electricity. Whereas, the electric water heater utilizes electricity as its energy source. Therefore, depending upon which geographical location the household or business is located would determine the cost factors associated with utilization of electricity or gas.

Before you make your hot water heater purchase you should determine if you have made the best choice. Evidently you have made the choice of an electric hot water heater. To make sure that you have gotten the best bargain for you, you should takes some steps to ensure your best interests. There are four steps that we can recommend.

Step One - Look At Your Fuel Choice

If you have an availability of an electric water heater and a gas water heater, do research about the costs of the two different types of fuels, over time. Not all areas have both choices available and the rise in electricity and gas costs have altered which water heater is the best value anymore. So rather than just say an electric water heater is the better deal or that a gas water heater is the better deal, is no longer a valid designation. Check that any electric water heater review you use covers the new prices for gas and electricity.

Step Two - Check An Electric Water Heater Review

There are several consumer magazines and appliances retailers that have electric water heater reviews available for your use. Make extensive you of them to check the availability of features that you need and want.

Step Three - Look At The FHR

There is a rating on all water heaters called the first hour rating is the amount of water that will be heated and delivered in an hour. This is an important rating and should be covered in any electric water heater review, if it is not covered, you may want to look for another review for more complete information.

Step Four - Check The Energy Efficiency Rating

Each water heater listed in the electric water heater review should have an energy efficiency rating number. It is a rating of how efficiently the water heater uses fuel and the costs over time. The higher the number the better. There is also another step within this one. Check with your local electric company to determine what rebates, if any, are available for the replacement by an energy efficient electric water heater. It is not usually a large amount, but it helps with the costs.

As a final thought, there may be a rebate from your home owners insurance or home warranty company for the replacement. Sometimes the electric water heater review may note this information, if not call both companies and verify rebates or discounts for the new appliance.

Water heaters have come some real distance in options in the last ten years. They now have a small electric water heater that fits under a counter and has seven to ten gallon capacity. While this would be of little use to a homeowner to produce the hot water needed for a full family house, but they have many uses. This small electric water heater is perfect for a cottage, guest house, RV, efficiency apartment. There are a plethora of small electric water heater manufacturers and models available to choose from. The choices are such that the items that you would normally consider for a purchase of other full size appliances come into play.

One of the easiest ways to first determine which small electric water heater to purchase is to find and read carefully a electric water heater review. Once you have done this, seriously consider exactly what you want this small electric water heater to do. Such as, if it is to supplement an existing large water heater, what capacity do you need? If it is rarely used, would a tankless water heating system be better? They have a small electric water heater that produces hot water for perhaps an office break-room.

What you are calling on the small electric water heater to do, can give you additional options. If this is for occasional use in a cottage, the on demand water heater may be your best option. Or if its for an RV would a tankless system provide what you need and not have problems being out of use for months at a time.

Caveats in Purchasing a Small Electric Water Heater

The caveat list is not long, but it should be checked carefully to avoid wasting your money with a small electric water heater product that will not supply what you need.

Backflow issues if this is to be installed inline may require additional backflow valves.

If it produces seven to ten gallons of hot water we are not discussing a shower type of water heater.

While they plug into a normal outlet plug, make sure it will not overload the breaker it is on.

A tankless on-demand water heater does not have the same amount of waterflow as a regular water heater.

Most of these small electric water heater units are considered to be a booster, to provide additional hot water to an existing system.

The units may be small but the prices are not substantially lower on the small electric water heater than the regular full-size water heater.

In light of the new, exponential, fuel price increases savings of your utility dollars have become more than an eco-friendly choice, they have become a necessity in many households. Here are some steps that can help to lower those bills that have far outstripped your budget without any increase in your use. Some require small purchases of an additional insulation jacket, a electric water heater timer, additional insulation, or purchase of a tankless or small electric water heater.

Steps

Turn down the thermostat. A tank style water heater can and does keep your water hot all day and all night, regardless if you need it at those times or not. So if you turn down the thermostat is expends less energy every hour of the day and night.
Insulate your hot water heater tank. You can get an additional insulation jacket that is the correct size for your hot water heater and it will jacket your heater and reduce the heat loss. This is a good idea as the older water heaters had less insulation.
Buy and electric water heater timer. An electric water heater timer is exactly what it sounds like. It is a timer that tells your water heater when to turn off and when to turn back on. This way instead of running all day and all night, you could shut it off for the night and have it come on an hour before you get up. Have it shut down during the day while you are gone to work and heat back up when you are on your way home. The electric water heater timer can also shut off the system while you are traveling to save you money.
Add insulation to the room in which the water heater is located. This helps the water heater to loose less heat.
You can add an on-demand tankless or small electric water heater to your system to cut down on costs, as they heat water only when its in use, not when its just being stored.

Unfortunately, there are small or larger costs involved in these long term cost savings. The electric water heater timer is about $50.00. The insulation jacket is about $30.00 to $50.00. Regular insulation could cost you aroung $300.00 to $1,000.00. An on-demand tankless or small electric water heater can cost anywhere from $300.00 to $2,500.00.

When you are in search of the best electric water heater, it can be a real chore. There are no many choices available, so much information, and most of it not all in one place. This is going to try and give you some ideas for purchasing the best electric water heater. One thing to remember first, not every water heater is the best electric water heater for you. Here are some items to check to find the best electric water heater for your needs.

Energy Efficiency Rating

Your water heater choices will all have an energy efficiency rating number. That number is how energy efficient your appliance is and what it will cost you to operate. That number provides you two things, its tells you water heater is going to cost you more, over time. It also provides you the information you will need to contact your local utility company to see if you qualify for a rebate for energy efficient appliance upgrade. Your best electric water heater will have a high energy efficiency rating, for you cost savings over time and a number sufficient to qualify you for a rebate.

Warranty

Next issue which could make your water heater purchase choices narrow, is you warranty. You want a warranty of at least 12 years. Many water heaters will come with a 6 year warranty, but the water heaters with a 12 year warranty are usually made with better materials. Your best electric water heater needs to have the 12 year warranty, otherwise you will be back making decisions of this type too soon.

Water Heater Size By Gallons

Water heaters come with different gallon sizes from 3 to 80. If the number is below 20 gallons you are not looking at a house water heater, but a booster or on demand water heater. Find out how many gallons your current water heater has. This will either be on a label on the body or on an engraved plate on the body. Is the current water heating situation sufficient for you. If not, look into a larger water heater. The downside to a larger water heater is the additional energy to run it. If you do not want higher electric bills, then you need to stay with the same size water heater to make it the best electric water heater for you. Also check the first hour rating, with is how much heated water the heater can produce in one hour.

Last The Cost For The Heater

Check the prices of the units with the factors we laid out above. Find the most in the different categories for the minimum amount of your money. Purchase from a reputable source so that you can have support for the major purchase you are making. Now you will have the best electric water heater, for you.

If you are replacing the old water heater with a new unit that is similar to the old one, you will not find it very difficult to replace it. Moreover, if you follow the steps below, it will certainly make your task much easier.

- Shut off the water supply

- If you have a gas heater, shut off the gas supply, or if you have an electric heater, turn off the power supply.

- The next step is to drain the water from the tank. If you do not have a floor drain underneath the valve, you can connect a hose to the drain valve, near the base of the tank. Run it to a nearby drain or outdoors, and then open the valve.

- Unscrew the inlet and outlet fittings from the top of the tank, using two wrenches.

- If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas inlet valve. Disconnect the union or flare fitting between the gas supply pipe and the inlet valve. You can use two wrenches to disconnect the same. You will also find a flue hat at the top of the tank. It expels gases into the flue. Remove this flue hat as well.

- Remove the old water heater.

- Set the new water heater carefully in place so that the burner and controls are accessible. Make sure that there is at least six inches of clearance around its perimeter, and it is away from any flammable materials.

- It is better if you fill the base with pieces of asphalt shingles or plastic wedges.

- Wrap the threads of the heat trap fittings with pipe-wrap tape.

- Connect blue thread of the fittings into the cold water inlet of the water heater, and red into the hot water outlet.

- Be careful while connecting the same. Make sure that the arrows are marked on the fittings point in the water flow direction.

- On the inlet and outlet pipes of water heater install the new flexible connectors.

- Make sure that all connections are complete.

- Open the shutoff wall and fill the tank.

- Open a few hot-water faucets so that the air in the pipes should bleed off.

- Now assemble the gas pipes per the manufacturer's instruction.

- Brush soapy water on all the connections, and carefully watch it should not produce any bubbles. If it does, recheck the connection once again.

Some Other Handy Tips

- Check with your local building department and confirm whether your home is in an earthquake zone. Install straps around the new water heater.

- If the height of the new tank is different from the old one, you will have to use flexible pipe connectors for the water inlet and outlet. This will make them able to bend whenever it is needed to make the hookup.

In case the pipes are not threaded, replace them with threaded nipples. Use an adjustable wrench to adjust the connectors to the nipples.

Hence, if you follow the above steps and the tips, you will find it very simple to replace a water heater.

Source: Free Articles

Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, helping you with your plumbing problems at http://plumbers.besthomeresource.com/ and supporting your need to find a plumber in Alabama here: http://plumbers.besthomeresource.com/AlabamaPlumbing/

If you are replacing the old water heater with a new unit that is similar to the old one, you will not find it very difficult to replace it. Moreover, if you follow the steps below, it will certainly make your task much easier.

- Shut off the water supply

- If you have a gas heater, shut off the gas supply, or if you have an electric heater, turn off the power supply.

- The next step is to drain the water from the tank. If you do not have a floor drain underneath the valve, you can connect a hose to the drain valve, near the base of the tank. Run it to a nearby drain or outdoors, and then open the valve.

- Unscrew the inlet and outlet fittings from the top of the tank, using two wrenches.

- If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas inlet valve. Disconnect the union or flare fitting between the gas supply pipe and the inlet valve. You can use two wrenches to disconnect the same. You will also find a flue hat at the top of the tank. It expels gases into the flue. Remove this flue hat as well.

- Remove the old water heater.

- Set the new water heater carefully in place so that the burner and controls are accessible. Make sure that there is at least six inches of clearance around its perimeter, and it is away from any flammable materials.

- It is better if you fill the base with pieces of asphalt shingles or plastic wedges.

- Wrap the threads of the heat trap fittings with pipe-wrap tape.

- Connect blue thread of the fittings into the cold water inlet of the water heater, and red into the hot water outlet.

- Be careful while connecting the same. Make sure that the arrows are marked on the fittings point in the water flow direction.

- On the inlet and outlet pipes of water heater install the new flexible connectors.

- Make sure that all connections are complete.

- Open the shutoff wall and fill the tank.

- Open a few hot-water faucets so that the air in the pipes should bleed off.

- Now assemble the gas pipes per the manufacturer's instruction.

- Brush soapy water on all the connections, and carefully watch it should not produce any bubbles. If it does, recheck the connection once again.

Some Other Handy Tips

- Check with your local building department and confirm whether your home is in an earthquake zone. Install straps around the new water heater.

- If the height of the new tank is different from the old one, you will have to use flexible pipe connectors for the water inlet and outlet. This will make them able to bend whenever it is needed to make the hookup.

In case the pipes are not threaded, replace them with threaded nipples. Use an adjustable wrench to adjust the connectors to the nipples.

Hence, if you follow the above steps and the tips, you will find it very simple to replace a water heater.

Source: Free Articles

Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, helping you with your plumbing problems at http://plumbers.besthomeresource.com/ and supporting your need to find a plumber in Alabama here: http://plumbers.besthomeresource.com/AlabamaPlumbing/

The purchase of an electric hot water heater is not a small purchase for any homeowner, and trying to find the best electric water heater may make you feel harried and more than a little mentally frazzled. It would be wonderful if there was one best electric water heater for everyone. Then this article would be done and you would be on your way to the appliance store. It used to be that way because the only choices were number of gallons and electric or gas/propane. Since I cannot provide you with the single answer and be done, I’m going to provide you some hints and ideas for your expensive purchase.

Hints and Tips in the Electric Hot Water Heater Hunt

Its not 100 percent true but the longer the warranty on the electric hot water heater means that you are going to get a heavy gauge metal and other higher grade products. So the warranty length should be your first consideration.

How many gallons you need should be your second consideration. If your current water heater that you are going to replace with the electric hot water heater is 40 gallons and you always run out of water, consider the 50 gallons. With a 12 year warranty you are going to be with this appliance for a while, make it work for you.

You next item is the first hour rating, which gives you the information of how much hot water the electric hot water heater is going to deliver for your use if the first hour. This rating is not something most people know to check this item on an electric hot water heater or any other water heater.

If your are going with an electric hot water heater, you might also want to consider electric tankless hot water heater to add additional low cost heating to your system.

Last you need to verify that your new electric hot water heater has a high energy rating. Electric hot water heaters have some of the highest ratings. There is another reason to get this information, other than energy savings for you. Often, utility companies provide rebates for purchases of replacement appliances with energy ratings above a certain amount. Every energy company in every area can, and probably do, have different numbers which they have chosen. So when you have the information on the energy ratings of the models you would prefer, call the utility company and see which one will provide you the rebate.

The purchase of an electric hot water heater is not a small purchase for any homeowner, and trying to find the best electric water heater may make you feel harried and more than a little mentally frazzled. It would be wonderful if there was one best electric water heater for everyone. Then this article would be done and you would be on your way to the appliance store. It used to be that way because the only choices were number of gallons and electric or gas/propane. Since I cannot provide you with the single answer and be done, I’m going to provide you some hints and ideas for your expensive purchase.

Hints and Tips in the Electric Hot Water Heater Hunt

Its not 100 percent true but the longer the warranty on the electric hot water heater means that you are going to get a heavy gauge metal and other higher grade products. So the warranty length should be your first consideration.

How many gallons you need should be your second consideration. If your current water heater that you are going to replace with the electric hot water heater is 40 gallons and you always run out of water, consider the 50 gallons. With a 12 year warranty you are going to be with this appliance for a while, make it work for you.

You next item is the first hour rating, which gives you the information of how much hot water the electric hot water heater is going to deliver for your use if the first hour. This rating is not something most people know to check this item on an electric hot water heater or any other water heater.

If your are going with an electric hot water heater, you might also want to consider electric tankless hot water heater to add additional low cost heating to your system.

Last you need to verify that your new electric hot water heater has a high energy rating. Electric hot water heaters have some of the highest ratings. There is another reason to get this information, other than energy savings for you. Often, utility companies provide rebates for purchases of replacement appliances with energy ratings above a certain amount. Every energy company in every area can, and probably do, have different numbers which they have chosen. So when you have the information on the energy ratings of the models you would prefer, call the utility company and see which one will provide you the rebate.

It used to be that when you had to replace a water heater, pretty much your only choice was whether it was an electric hot water heater or a gas/propane hot water heater. There are many more choices now and some interesting variations. We will discuss only the electric hot water heater and the electric tankless water heater. The most interesting variation is the electric tankless water heater, which is not really new, but is now much more of a real choice. When then electric tankless water heater systems first became available they had problems with waterflow and getting water to the necessary temperature. These problems have been solved, but this is still one warning, a tankless water heating system still does not have the full waterflow of a regular water heater system.

Since you have chosen to go with an electric water heating system, perhaps you thought you were finished with your decisions. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending how you look at it, there are some more choices to make

Factors in Electric Hot Water Heaters

The first decision is whether to have an electric tankless water heater or an electric hot water heater. If you choose the electric hot water heater you have a single purchase and installation to deal with. The electric tankless water heater requires an installation at each water outlet. While this may be a definite deal breaker for you, the savings in water heating bills over time can often overcome and far outstrip the savings of the installation of a single electric hot water heater. Safety is also a consideration was a hot water heater can be a fire source.

In fact, the choice to go with a tankless water heating system is one you can make over time. You can add an electric tankless water heater to begin the savings today. Add one to the guest bathroom, a pool, a dishwasher or other water outlets. This can begin to reduce your heating costs.

The second choice is which electric hot water heater to choose, if you decide to stay with a tank system. There are numerous new choices, such as: higher gallon capacity, stirrers, drainage valves, insulation Rvalue and an insulation jacket. People often complain that they run out of hot water, which could mean your system is no longer heating efficiently or that you really do lack gallon capacity necessary for your home. This brings into play the gallon capacity and the stirrers. The new systems have stirrers to force the water to completely circulate and stop silt buil-up on the bottom of the tank. Since the heating elements are on the bottom of the electric hot water heater tank you get reduced heat in the water and damage to the heating element due to the build-up. The electric tankless water heater does not have this issue, because there is no tank.

Last in R value and an insulation jacket. The Rvalue of a electric hot water heater is the insulation value around the core water tank and the outside of the water heater. How much of the heat from the water you heated stays in the water and how much escapes. Rvalues go from six to twenty-four, the higher number means more heat is held into the tank.

It used to be that when you had to replace a water heater, pretty much your only choice was whether it was an electric hot water heater or a gas/propane hot water heater. There are many more choices now and some interesting variations. We will discuss only the electric hot water heater and the electric tankless water heater. The most interesting variation is the electric tankless water heater, which is not really new, but is now much more of a real choice. When then electric tankless water heater systems first became available they had problems with waterflow and getting water to the necessary temperature. These problems have been solved, but this is still one warning, a tankless water heating system still does not have the full waterflow of a regular water heater system.

Since you have chosen to go with an electric water heating system, perhaps you thought you were finished with your decisions. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending how you look at it, there are some more choices to make

Factors in Electric Hot Water Heaters

The first decision is whether to have an electric tankless water heater or an electric hot water heater. If you choose the electric hot water heater you have a single purchase and installation to deal with. The electric tankless water heater requires an installation at each water outlet. While this may be a definite deal breaker for you, the savings in water heating bills over time can often overcome and far outstrip the savings of the installation of a single electric hot water heater. Safety is also a consideration was a hot water heater can be a fire source.

In fact, the choice to go with a tankless water heating system is one you can make over time. You can add an electric tankless water heater to begin the savings today. Add one to the guest bathroom, a pool, a dishwasher or other water outlets. This can begin to reduce your heating costs.

The second choice is which electric hot water heater to choose, if you decide to stay with a tank system. There are numerous new choices, such as: higher gallon capacity, stirrers, drainage valves, insulation Rvalue and an insulation jacket. People often complain that they run out of hot water, which could mean your system is no longer heating efficiently or that you really do lack gallon capacity necessary for your home. This brings into play the gallon capacity and the stirrers. The new systems have stirrers to force the water to completely circulate and stop silt buil-up on the bottom of the tank. Since the heating elements are on the bottom of the electric hot water heater tank you get reduced heat in the water and damage to the heating element due to the build-up. The electric tankless water heater does not have this issue, because there is no tank.

Last in R value and an insulation jacket. The Rvalue of a electric hot water heater is the insulation value around the core water tank and the outside of the water heater. How much of the heat from the water you heated stays in the water and how much escapes. Rvalues go from six to twenty-four, the higher number means more heat is held into the tank.

When you have to make a choice about a new water heater, it can often mean that you just discovered the great fun of taking cold showers in the middle of the winter, compliments of the newly broken water heater. Its not a time that encourages you to do a great deal of research, but my suggestion is bite the bullet and spend a little time, it can avoid a newer set of cold showers shortly down the line.

While its not going to improve your attitude, you will need to contact your homeowners insurance and your home warranty company. Both may be required to help you cover the cost of the replacement water heater and they may have some control of what you have to purchase for replacement.

Now comes the choice, an electric water heater, a gas/propane water heater, electric tankless water heater or a gas/propane tankless water heater. Once you make that choice there are several choices of features that are relatively new in water heaters. Your climate can affect your water heater so there are considerations for the purchase.

Your first choice, the electric water heater or gas/propane water heater, and the considerations are a few. The first consideration is does your have a gas/propane service already installed. If not, the costs and time for installation may cost more than and electric water heater, over time. In light of the increased costs of propane, there may be no savings over and electric water heater, though most sources still include that as a selling point.

All appliances have to provide information on their capacities. Check to see how big your water heater is currently, and if you need more gallon capacity, often the home warranty and homeowners insurance wants to replace with the same size, but they will allow you to get a bigger gallon capacity and pay the difference.

Other features that have become available since your water heater was last replaced, are stirrers, electronic ignition, sealed air intake systems, pipe insulation, additional tank insulation, insulation jackets and new drainage valve configurations. All which are safer for you and increase the life of your water heater.

New Choices in Electric Water Heater and Gas/Propane Water Heather

Finally, you need to decide if you want a tankless water heater. The tankless models come as electric tankless water heater and a gas/propage tankless water heater. The decision here is more than electric water heater and gas/propane water heater, as above the choices are much the same; however, with the tankless system you have to have one for each water outlet. Thus if you have two showers you need to tankless systems. You need one for your kitchen, and anything else which draws from the water heater currently. There are big advantages to a tankless system, and as the name suggests, there is not tank. There is no loss of water while waiting for the water to “warm up”. That really means to have the hot water travel through the pipes to the water outlet. They don’t maintain a full water of water a full temperature all day and night. The costs savings can be extensive and should be addressed.

Do you feel frustrated every time, when you take a shower and the hot water runs out? And your energy bills are huge? Then it is possible that you need to look for new water heaters. An instant water heater can solve both problems for you.

Advantages of instant water heaters

An instant tankless heater has several advantages when compared to a conventional water heater:

It saves you energy

It heats water as you use it, as much as you use it and never runs out

It takes very little space

Common water heater usually has a tank that holds 40 to 80 gallons of water, keeping it hot at all times, day and night. As you use the hot water for showers, doing dishes and so on, it is replaced with cold water and heated. When you are not using hot water and even when you are not home all together, hot water just sits in the tank and as it waits to be used it loses the temperature. So the heater reheats water in your tank every now and then. This means loss of energy for you.

Instant water heaters don't have a tank. For this reason they are also called tankless water heaters. As soon as you turn on hot water the unit turns on and heats the water, typically at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. So this type of heater doesn't use energy until the faucet is turned on. It produces hot water instantly and if that temperature is too hot for you simply regulate it by turning on the cold water. When you are finished and turn hot water off, the instant water heater shuts down straight away, using no energy. This can cut your energy bill almost by 50% every month.

Energy is not the only thing you save, a tankless heater will also save you water. You know how you always have to let the cold water run first, before the hot comes out? With an instant tankless water heater the water is hot from the start, so there is no need to run the water to before it turns hot.

When room is a consideration, a tankless heater also offers a solution. Comparable to a traditional 40-60 gallon water tank, an instant unit is very small. It can be easily installed in a small home or apartment.

Industrial instant water heaters

While tankless heaters are most used in residential homes, great energy savings lead to their commercial use as well. And more water you use more you save, for example a house using 120 gallons of water a day with a 40-gallon hot water tank typically spends $112.25 per month on heating water. For the same usage, an instant tankless water heater will cost you only about $26.95 per month.

Cost of instant tankless water heater

Initial cost is the main disadvantage of a tankless heater. It costs much more than the conventional one. But as you can see, the energy savings will compensate for this very soon, probably in the first 6-8 month of using your new heater. And if the cost is a concern, look for discounted instant water heaters online. With internet retailers you can always get your tankless heater cheaper.

Buying a tankless water heater

You can get instant heaters from same stores that sell other types of water heaters. As their popularity has grown recently, you will not have any problems finding a decent instant water heater. Another option is too look online. Sometimes you can save quite a lot by buying a water heater from internet retailers.

For more information and price comparison of instant water heaters check Heaters Guide . We provide buying tips for all types of water heaters.
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