What Is a High-Efficiency Water Heater?

When shopping for a water heater replacement, most people are concerned with how much hot water a unit can provide. However, another crucial factor to consider is how efficiently the unit operates. After all, the more energy-efficient your water heater is, the less you’ll spend on both water and energy each month in utility bills.

Should you upgrade to a high-efficiency water heater? Learn more below!

What Is a High-Efficiency Water Heater?

In simple terms, a high-efficiency water heater works similarly to a standard water heater, but because of how it operates, it saves money and energy and is better for the environment. In fact, high-efficiency water heaters use anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models.

An easy way to know if you’re buying a high-efficiency model is to find out if it’s ENERGY STAR certified. According to the organization’s website: “Products that earn the ENERGY STAR are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the climate.” Residential water heaters can meet ENERGY STAR’s high-efficiency qualifications if their performance meets a strict set of criteria.

Are Only Tankless Water Heaters Considered High-Efficiency?

Residential tank, tankless, solar, and high-capacity water heaters can all be ENERGY STAR certified, as long as they meet the qualifications. Tankless water heaters are often seen as the most energy-smart solution for many households because, unlike tank models, they don’t have the problem of “standby loss.”

A tank water heater stores water for use now and later in an insulated tank. The unit must continually heat that water so that it’s readily available for you, and the energy it uses to do that results in standby losses. Because tankless (or “on-demand”) water heaters heat water rapidly at the precise time you need it, they do not incur standby losses. A possible downside of this operation method is that if two many fixtures demand hot water at the same time, the tankless model may not be able to supply enough to meet those simultaneous demands.

Find the Perfect High-Efficiency Water Heater for Your Needs

When upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater, you should aim to get as many perks as possible, including:

  • A model that can meet your hot water demands with no trouble
  • Energy savings
  • Equipment that will stand the test of time
  • A more environmentally friendly way to heat your water

At Payless Water Heaters, we seek to benefit our customers by offering them our expertise as water heater specialists, backed by more than 30 years in the industry. We work with only high-quality manufacturers (Bradford White and Noritz Tankless), and our long-standing connection with these brands allows us to offer these products at unbeatable prices, extended warranties, and the added peace of mind that we have been individually qualified to work on them. We are proud to serve both southern and northern California, including all of Los Angeles County, Ventura County, San Diego, Orange County, and San Francisco.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more about our water heater installation services: (866) 615-4008.