A water heater is one of the largest energy users in your home, so it’s important to get an efficient model.
The most energy-efficient models are often designated with an Energy Star rating.
They also save money on utility bills over the life of the unit, which can be several years.
Gas Boiler
A gas boiler is a type of central heating system that heats water by burning gas. This water then flows through a system of pipes and radiators throughout a home to provide indoor heating.
Depending on the type of boiler you have, this hot water will either flow directly to taps and showers (combi) or be stored in a tank for future use (system and heat only).
The AFUE rating on a new boiler shows how efficiently it uses energy to produce heat. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient it is at converting fuel to heat.
Gas boilers are typically less expensive to operate than oil-fueled boilers, especially if the cost of heating oil is high in your area. However, they can be prone to leaks, so it is important to regularly check them for any signs of problems.
Solar Thermal
If you’re looking to switch to energy efficient water heating, consider installing a solar thermal system. These systems heat your water by using the sun’s rays to heat up water within copper tubes on your roof or in south-facing windows.
When the heat reaches your property, it’s transferred to a coil within your water cylinder. This heat is pumped to your water supply through a pump and system controller.
This means that your hot water is available to you as soon as possible, even when the weather isn’t so great! And you can save money on your hot water bills, which adds up over time.
Solar thermal is a technology that can also be used for other applications such as space heating, drying, distillation and desalination, and electrical power generation. It’s an ideal solution to help decarbonise your household and reduce your energy usage over the long term.
Heat Pump
There are a number of options for energy efficient water heating, including heat pumps. These systems can be a great way to save on your energy bills, reduce your carbon emissions, and reduce the costs of running your home’s heating and cooling system.
A heat pump works by extracting thermal energy from the air, ground, or nearby sources of water or waste heat. These systems are far more efficient than traditional heat-generating technologies, such as boilers and electric heaters.
Depending on where you live and how much energy you use, it can be a very economical solution. However, you do need to think carefully about the cost of installation and how long your system will last.
It’s important to choose a heat pump that’s the right size for your needs. Oversized units are more expensive and will struggle to keep your home warm.
Electric
Water heaters use electricity to generate heat, and electric models can be more energy efficient than their gas counterparts. They also do not require expensive gas lines, exhaust flues or on-site fuel tanks, which makes installation simpler.
Another benefit of electric water heating is that it requires no venting or exhaust, reducing the risk of leaks or dangerous fires. This is especially important in older homes where safety concerns can arise from piping that does not work properly.
Using an electric water heater is also healthier for the environment, because it uses no fossil fuels or other sources of pollution. In addition, these systems are more energy-efficient and can be powered by renewable sources like solar power.