Water Heater

A natural gas water heater can lower your energy use from electric water heaters by as much as 50 percent, depending on fuel availability and costs. A gas burner at the bottom of the hot water tank heats the water, and carbon dioxide and water is vented out of your house through your home’s chimney or a side vent. While this is often a more costly option to install, the efficient operating costs can pay for the difference in installation costs.

Electric hot water systems heats water by large coils hanging down into the water tank, similar to the coils that heat an electric oven. This is a good option if your water demands are smaller, as electricity is more expensive than other fuel sources, and the units can be less fuel-efficient. Electric hot water systems are less expensive to install and require no venting or chimney.

These systems work to conserve water while bringing you hot water quickly and efficiently. It functions exactly like the name says – pipes circulate hot water through pipes which keep the temperature of the water at an optimal heated temperature.

Instant hot water systems, also called “tankless” hot water heaters, provide hot water only as needed. Unlike the traditional tank system, water does not sit by heated on standby, which saves on energy costs. Pipes heat cold water directly.