Upgrade your water heater to an Energy Star model
Why This is Green
Heating water accounts for about 15 percent of a typical home's energy use. To put that in perspective, the act of warming water is the second largest home energy hog, after general heating and cooling costs. You can substantially reduce your energy use simply through water conservation measures, like taking showers instead of baths, running the dishwasher for full loads only, and washing laundry in cold water.
You can also increase your energy savings by upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater that meets Energy Star guidelines. High-efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models and can save you money on your utility bills, all while reducing the amount of non-renewable energy you use. It’s better for the environment and you’ll save oodles if your water heater hasn’t been replaced in quite some time.
Learn More
How To
Energy-efficient water heaters employ simple measures, such as increased insulation and more efficient combustion devices, to heat your water without having to sacrifice on comfort or availability of hot water. Visit the Energy Star product guide to find the right water heater for your needs.
Assuming you currently have a storage tank system, it is quite straightforward to upgrade to a more efficient Energy Star-rated storage tank system. However, you may want to hire a professional to evaluate other alternatives, like tankless water heaters, heat recovery or heat pump water heating systems, or even a solar hot water system. This way, you'll gain greater cost savings and environmental benefits over time.
