Water heaters, which everybody depends on every day to facilitate bath functions, cooking, and cleaning, might just have an overpowering need for electricity. The following slides break down the energy consumption that water heaters require and save some power for future use.
How Water Heaters Work
Tank Water Heaters: They hold water that heats up when required and holds a continuous charge using either electric elements or gas burners.
Tankless Water Heaters: Heat water on demand. Thus, they are more efficient because they only utilize energy when hot water is in demand.
Energy Consumption Factors
Type of Heater: Electric tank heaters use more electricity (watts) than their counterparts-3,000 to 4,500 watts-while a tankless model would go as high as 8,000 to 27,000 watts when in operation.
Size & Usage: Larger tanks use more energy, and the more hot water you use, the more power is consumed.
Temperature Setting: The thermostat can be set as low as 120°F (49°C) to save energy.
Tips to Save Energy
Lower the Thermostat: Set it to 120°F (49°C) for efficient heating.
Use Less Hot Water: Take shorter showers and fix leaks to minimize waste.
Install Timers or Smart Thermostats: Automate heating schedules for efficiency.
Upgrade to Efficient Models: Consider a tankless water heater or newer, more energy-efficient models.
Insulate the Heater and Pipes: Prevent heat loss for better energy efficiency.
Consider Solar Heating: A solar water heater can drastically reduce electricity consumption in the long run.
Conclusion
Water heaters can be energy-hungry, but with simple adjustments—like lowering the thermostat, reducing hot water use, or switching to more efficient models—you can cut down on electricity consumption and lower your bills.