Green Options for Water Heaters

Here is some info on how to green up your water heater system.  New standard water heaters are much more energy efficaint than they were even a few years ago but some consumers want even more efficiancy.  Going green can reduce your eneergy bill and save you money in the long run but you will invest an uprfront premium for lifelong savings.  The 3 options below are the most typical green options for water heaters.

1.  Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater heats only the water you use. Cold water enters at the bottom, where an efficient gas heater rapidly brings the water to a near boil. When you turn off the hot water, the tankless heater shuts off. The heater can be located close to the kitchen or bath so the water doesn’t need to travel far.  Tankless water heaters cost about twice as much as standard water heaters, but the energy and water savings will pay for the tankless heater within one to five years.  It depends how much water you and your family heat each day.

2.  Recirculate Hot Water

A hot water recirculation system uses a pump to rush hot water where needed, saving you money on your energy and water bills. Activated by the push of a button, a thermostat, timer, or motion sensor, the pump starts recirculating cooled water that’s been sitting in the hot water line and sends it back to the water heater through the cold water line. Instead of allowing the cold water to go down the drain, it goes back to the water heater.

3.  Recover Heat

A drain-water heat recovery system is a $300 fixture a plumber installs under the drain in your tub or shower. The system recovers the heat out of the water that goes down the drain and circulates the heat — not the water — back to the shower head or water heater.

Another green money saving tip that does not require buying anything or making modifications to your existing system – when you leave for vacation turn your water heater down or off.  This way the system is not heating water while you are away!