Water heaters have a hefty job: supplying hot water for showers, your
washing machine, copious cups of ramen...no wonder they use so much energy. If your home has a gas line or propane service, replacing your existing water heater with
an energy-efficient, gas water heater can help save money on your energy bill. They're
better insulated than standard hot water heaters and minimize heat loss. They can also heat water faster in between showers and loads of laundry.
The most important water heater efficiency measure is the Energy Factor (EF). The EF measures overall water heater efficiency based on the model's recovery efficiency, standby losses, and energy input—the higher the EF, the better. When replacing your electric hot water heater, pick an energy-efficient water heater with an EF of 0.95, or a gas water heater with an EF of at least 0.63.
Most natural gas water heaters don't require electricity, so they can still provide hot water during power interruptions. Efficient gas water heaters may hold their temperature longer following power interruptions and operate more safely.
1. If you don't already have a gas line for your natural gas water heater, arrange to have one installed by a professional.
2. Shop online or go to a home appliance store to pick out an energy efficient or natural gas water heater.
3. Arrange to have the water heater delivered, and hire a licensed contractor to install it.
Get the right size water heater for your home. Hot water heaters that are too big for your needs not only cost more, they may increase your energy bill due to excessive cycling and standby losses. Water heater size or capacity should be judged by its first hour rating (FHR), not its tank size.
Choose a water heater with an internally insulated tank. Make sure to purchase a water heater whose tank is internally insulated with at least R-16.
Types of water heaters. Many types of water heaters are now available, such as "demand" (tankless), heat pump, and solar-assisted water heaters.