Go Green

Going green is very important to many people during this troubled economy. There are a few options in the water heating industry that you can take advantage of in order to "GO GREEN" and be more energy efficient.

Tankless Water Heater

One of the most popular ways to "go green" is to install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters, also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters, are more prevalent in the southern states (warmer climate) than they are in the northern states. In the past few years, tankless water heaters have taken a little more market share from the tank type water heaters because home owners like the idea of heating hot water only when it's needed. Tankless water heaters do cost substantially more to install but will save money over the years in operating costs. Call our knowledgeable Mr. Waterheater staff to help you decide if installing a tankless water heater is right for you.

Advantages:

• Heats the water as you need it
• Hangs on the wall; takes up less space than storage hot water tank
• Can hang on outside wall; some units can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F
• Energy Savings

Disadvantages:

• Tankless unit is more expensive than hot water tank unit
• Installation cost is more expensive than hot water tank installation
• May require water line and/or gas line changes (may have to increase water and/or gas line supplies)
• May need multiple tankless units for high demand items (such as whirlpool tub, garden tub, multiple shower heads, etc.)

New, More Efficient Water Heater

If your water heater was manufactured before 2004, your water heater isn’t as efficient as the water heaters that are available today. The water heaters produced since 2004 were required by federal law to be more efficient. In addition, the Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) safety feature has been added to the new water heaters. So simply replacing your old water heater with a new water heater model can save you money in your gas and/or electric bills, plus it’s safer because of FVIR.

In addition to the newer, more efficient models, some storage tank water heaters now have an energy star rating and may qualify for a rebate. The rebates are different across the country so check with your local Mr. Waterheater to see if your area is eligible for this rebate.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

An electric heat pump water heater extracts the heat from the air, increases this heat as necessary, and delivers it to the water. An advantage of an electric heat pump is it can be installed in attics, garages, furnace rooms – as long as the space is at least 10 feet x 10 feet x 10 feet. The electric heat pump has an energy star rating with an energy factor of 2.0, and for a limited time, the electric heat pump qualifies for a federal tax credit. Please call your local Mr. Waterheater for details and federal tax credit information.

Geothermal Water Heating

No matter where you are located, beneath the ground the earth maintains a relatively constant temperature. Geothermal water heating takes advantage of this constant ground temperature. In order to utilize geothermal water heating, a geothermal system needs to be in place. Water is heated via the geothermal heat pump system and then the hot water is stored in a hot water tank or sent to the tankless unit. The installation costs are more than the traditional storage-type hot water tank, but the operating costs are usually much lower.

Solar Water Heater

Solar water heating is another way to go green. Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat the water. Most (if not all) come with a backup heating element that provides heat only when necessary (when solar energy does not meet the need). While solar water heaters are more popular in warmer climates, a solar water heater can be installed anywhere in the United States. Call your local Mr. Waterheater for details.

Water Heater Blankets

Another way to be more energy efficient is to install a water heater blanket on your older water heater. Older water heaters were insulated with rolled insulation while newer water heaters are insulated with sprayed foam. Though you can install a water heater blanket on either a new or an old water heater, the newer water heaters have thicker insulation and as a result, the water heater blankets may not be as effective.

Advantages:

• Home owner can install a water heater blanket

Disadvantages:

• May not make a noticeable difference

Tax Credits and Rebates

A variety of tax credits and rebates are being offered for a limited time. The federal government is offering a tax credit on tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, and electric heat pump water heaters. The federal government also offers a tax credit on the installation of a geothermal heat pump system. In addition to the federal tax credits, some state governments are offering rebates on Energy Star water heaters.  Check with your local Mr. Waterheater representative for details regarding these tax credits and rebates.

If you have a question about green water heating, call your local Mr. Waterheater representative. We are always standing by to help you.