Which Water Heater is Right for You?

Home Heating and Cooling, Home Tips

Your heating and cooling system tends to get a lot of attention, which makes sense, as it’s your largest energy expense.

But what about your second largest energy expense — your water heater?

Most households spend up to 20% of their utility bill on heating water, which can translate to $400-$600 each year! Before you decide to start taking cold showers, take charge of your water heating instead!

Where to start? Here’s how to find the right water heater for you!

Storage water heaters hold a permanent reservoir of hot water, which is released when you turn the hot water tap. The majority of water heaters use storage tanks, which last around ten years. While storage water heaters tend to cost less upfront, they can cost more in the long run by using energy to heat water even when the tap isn’t running.

Tankless water heaters provide hot water only when it’s needed, making them up to 34% more efficient than storage water heaters. While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they have lower operating costs and can last up to 20 years. So, you may consider an ENERGY STAR®-certified tankless water heater a smart, long-term investment.

Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) use electricity to move heat from one place to another. By taking heat from the air, a HPWH heats water when you need it, without making you wait for warm water. HPWHs can last up to 15 years, are up to four times more energy-efficient, use up to 70% less energy than a standard water heater, and deliver average savings of $315 per year. Plus, we offer a rebate of $500 for qualifying customers!

However, HPWHs may not be right for everyone, as they require at least 1,000 cubic feet of space. Click here to find out if you’re a good candidate for a heat pump water heater.

Don’t get into hot water (figuratively) or take showers in cold water (literally) with your water heater — follow this guide from your pals at PSO to make the best purchase!