Many homeowners want to make the switch to a high-efficiency water heater because they think it will save them money on their utility bills. Even though this is a main advantage, there are several other benefits and factors that relate to the installation that you should know about. By understanding the important details, it becomes easier to choose whether a high-efficiency water heater is a good investment for your home.
Saving Money on Utility Bills
High-efficiency water heaters can cut your monthly utility bills because they use less energy to heat the same amount of water when compared to standard units. But you should not automatically expect huge savings on your energy expenses just because you make the switch to a high-efficiency model.
The exact savings that you will achieve depend on several important factors. These include the local utility rates in your area as well as how much hot water you normally use. If it’s just you in the house and you don’t normally use a lot of hot water, the savings on your bills are not going to be substantial. Larger households, on the other hand, that do use a lot of hot water may notice savings of up to several hundred dollars a year.
Condensing Models Reuse Heat From Exhaust Gases
There is a lot of heat that gets sent outdoors when using a standard gas water heater. If you upgrade to a high-efficiency condensing model, much of that heat will get captured by the secondary heat exchanger and then reused to heat the incoming water, cutting down on the amount of gas that your unit needs.
Your Setup May Need Special Venting
The venting is one of the most important parts of a water heater setup that impacts its overall efficiency and performance. When you make the switch to a high-efficiency model, your current venting may not be compatible. You may need a special vent made out of PVC or polypropylene to effectively handle the cooler, moisture-heavy exhaust gases.
Installation Location Matters
You may think it’s completely okay to put a high-efficiency water heater in the basement or a utility closet. These are common locations for the equipment, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best spot for your home. If the utility closet doesn’t have adequate ventilation, this can impact the system’s combustion and venting and reduce its overall performance. A professional installer can assess your home to determine the best installation location.
Your water heater affects many different parts of your day, from taking a relaxing shower to doing laundry. Taking time to choose a model that meets your comfort and energy preferences is vital to making a smart investment. Hiring a licensed plumber to help you choose a high-efficiency system is the best way to make an informed selection. If you live in Helena, MT or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Big Sky.