Eco-Friendly Water Heaters

You may not realize it but water heating is probably one of the largest domestic energy expenses on your utility bill. By replacing your old electric hot water system with a new gas or solar powered system, you will do wonders to reduce your carbon footprint and your monthly costs.

When you look for a water heater, it is best to look for one that is ENERGY STAR® certified. ENERGY STAR® criteria for water heaters cover five residential product categories: high-performance gas storage; whole-house gas tankless; advanced drop-in or integrated heat pump; solar; and gas condensing.

By heating water only when it's needed, ENERGY STAR® qualified gas tankless water heaters cut water-heating expenses by 30%, while also providing continuous hot water delivery. Gas tankless models are a great choice for new construction and major remodeling, but are also becoming popular as a replacement for gas storage water heaters.

Brands such as American Standard, Bosch, GE, Rheem, Velux and Eccotemp offer ENERGY STAR®-compliant, tankless model, which are eligible for 2009 federal tax credits. Rheem has also just released its brand new solar water heating systems that qualify for ENERGY STAR, with a regional introduction on the West Coast and in the South, followed by a national rollout.

So, whether you're replacing a worn-out existing water heater or looking for the best model for a new house you're building, you will be wise to choose carefully. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a great resource for understanding the ins and outs of water heating.