Consider Adding Energy Efficiency To Your Water Heater System If You Need Repairs
If your water heater requires extensive repairs, and if it's more than 10 years old, chances are good that it will be worth your while to just switch to a new heater that can either work with your pre-existing device or replace it entirely. Here's a guide including a few examples of water heaters you could try instead of traditional heaters in order to save on energy.
The Importance of Upgrading
Most standard water heaters only last 10 to 15 years on average. So, if your heater sustains damage when it's older than 10 years, it's worth checking out alternate water heater types since it's the perfect time to upgrade.
If you already have an energy efficient water heater, then repairs may be worth it. But since you can save hundreds of dollars if you switch over to something more efficient, it's worth taking a look if you just have the standard model.
Solar Water Heaters
If you choose an Energy Star solar water heater, you can cut the amount of money you spend on hot water cuts by 50% per year. After all, the sun is a convenient source of energy and chances are good that plenty of rays are hitting your house, year round, that you aren't using.
This is especially the case if you live in a particularly sunny area. This type of water heater system works particularly well if you have a gas backup water heater or an electric one. You can save as much as $2900 over the course of the heater's life over a standard heater.
If you combine this with something like an electric heater for backup, you can save as much as $5000 on over the lifetime of the device instead. The best type of solar system to use is often one that uses evacuated tube collectors.
This system uses a glass tube containing a smaller tube that has the water to be heated. In between these tubes is vacuum. The solar energy heats up the outer tube and transfers right to the water through the vacuum since vacuum doesn't tend to lose much of the energy.
Hybrid Conventional Gas Heaters
Another type of heating technology that can add efficiency to your water heating needs is one that combines heat pump technology with a conventional gas heater. Some of these have been known to use 62 percent less energy when compared to a regular 50 gallon water heater.
Talk with an HVAC contractor, like Christian Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, to see if an upgraded water heater is right for you.