 | Looking for Hot Water Heater Efficiency comparison |
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Question: I was in the Borg yesterday looking at electric hot water heaters. None of the products had EnergyStar or EnerGuide ratings. The sales guy told me that it doesn't really matter and they're all the same anyways. Shame on GE and HomeDepot. Does anybody know of a link that allows me to compare the energy efficiency ratings of electric water heaters? I can't find ANY product comparisons, only articles telling me what to look for and compare. Sites that don't have useful info on specific products: www.eere.energy.gov www.energystar.gov oee.nrcan.gc.ca I can get lists of refrigerators, dishwashers etc. but NOTHING comparing hot water tanks. Anybody have any experience using the on-demand or tankless systems? Do they really save money? Gas is not an option for me but solar may be - except that I'm in a colder climate.
Answer: -All electric hot water heaters (and electric heaters in general) are 100% efficient by definition. Think about it. All the energy consumed is turned to heat. -The only ineffciency in the hot water heater is heat flow through the walls, and having to push a gallon of cold water out of the pipe in front of the hot water. If you get the tank heated up and dont use any hot water, it probably wont need to com on for hours, and then only for a few minutes. Put a neon light across the heater and see if it comes on after you wash your hands or do some minor hot water use. Seems like the main selling point of these instant on hot water heaters is 'you never run out of hot water'. I bet if you run out of hot water with a 40 gal tank with 2500 watt elements, you wont run out with a 50 gal tank with 4500 watt elements. I bet cost per gallon is exactly the same for two systems with same temp setting and intake water temp.
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