Tankless water heaters are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional tank-style water heaters. They offer a number of benefits, including energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and continuous hot water. But how do they affect a home’s Energy Star rating? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question in depth.
What is Energy Star?
Before we dive into the specifics of tankless water heaters and Energy Star ratings, let’s first define what Energy Star is. Energy Star is a government-backed program that was created to help consumers identify products that are energy-efficient. The program was started by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992, and it has since expanded to include a wide range of products, from appliances to electronics to home construction materials.
Energy Star ratings are given to products that meet certain energy efficiency criteria. The criteria vary by product type, but in general, Energy Star products are designed to use less energy than their non-certified counterparts. This not only saves consumers money on their utility bills, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts.
How do tankless water heaters work?
Tankless water heaters are different from traditional tank-style water heaters in that they don’t store hot water in a tank. Instead, they heat water on demand as it passes through the unit. This means that you don’t have to wait for a tank to fill up before you can take a shower or wash dishes. Additionally, tankless water heaters can be more energy efficient than tank-style heaters because they don’t have to constantly keep a large volume of water hot.
There are two main types of tankless water heaters: gas-fired and electric. Gas-fired tankless water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat the water, while electric tankless water heaters use electricity. Gas-fired models are generally more energy-efficient than electric models, but they also tend to be more expensive to install.
How do tankless water heaters affect Energy Star ratings?
Now that we understand what Energy Star is and how tankless water heaters work, let’s turn our attention to the question at hand: How do tankless water heaters affect Energy Star ratings?
The answer is that it depends on the specific model of tankless water heater that you choose. Not all tankless water heaters are Energy Star certified, so it’s important to look for the Energy Star label when you’re shopping for a unit. If a tankless water heater is Energy Star certified, it means that it meets certain energy efficiency criteria that have been established by the EPA.
To earn the Energy Star label, tankless water heaters must meet a set of requirements that are based on the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). The UEF is a measurement of how efficiently a water heater uses energy to heat and store water. To be Energy Star certified, a gas-fired tankless water heater must have a UEF of 0.87 or higher, while an electric tankless water heater must have a UEF of 0.93 or higher.
It’s important to note that not all tankless water heaters are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Even among Energy Star certified models, there can be significant differences in UEF values. That’s why it’s important to do your research and choose a model that has a high UEF value.
What are the benefits of Energy Star certified tankless water heaters?
There are a number of benefits to choosing an Energy Star certified tankless water heater for your home. Here are just a few:
Lower energy bills:
Because Energy Star certified tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than non-certified models, they can help you save money on your monthly utility bills.
Reduced environmental impact:
By using less energy, Energy Star certified tankless water heaters help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts associated with energy production.
Longer lifespan:
Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional tank-style water heaters, and Energy Star certified models may last even longer because they are designed to be more energy efficient.
Consistent hot water:
Because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water during a long shower or when doing laundry.
Space savings: Tankless water heaters are typically smaller than tank-style water heaters, so they can save space in your home.
Increased home value:
Energy-efficient features like Energy Star certified tankless water heaters can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
What should you consider when choosing a tankless water heater?
When choosing a tankless water heater for your home, there are several factors to consider:
Fuel type:
Tankless water heaters can be powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity. Each fuel type has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to research each option and choose the one that is best for your home and budget.
Size:
Tankless water heaters come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that can meet your household’s hot water demands. Consider factors like the number of bathrooms in your home and the number of people who will be using hot water at the same time.
Energy efficiency:
As we’ve discussed, Energy Star certified tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than non-certified models. Look for a model with a high UEF value to maximize your energy savings.
Installation costs:
Tankless water heaters can be more expensive to install than traditional tank-style water heaters, especially if you need to retrofit your home’s plumbing to accommodate the new unit. Consider installation costs when choosing a model.
Maintenance:
Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to operate efficiently. Consider the maintenance requirements of each model when making your decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tankless water heaters can be a great choice for homeowners who are looking for an energy-efficient, space-saving, and long-lasting water heating solution. Energy Star certified tankless water heaters are an even better choice, as they meet certain energy efficiency criteria that can help you save money on your monthly utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.
When choosing a tankless water heater, consider factors like fuel type, size, energy efficiency, installation costs, and maintenance requirements to find the model that is best for your home and budget. By doing your research and choosing an Energy Star certified model with a high UEF value, you can enjoy all the benefits of a tankless water heater while maximizing your energy savings.
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