Choosing an Energy Efficient Electric Hot Water Heater

For the most part when you have a hot water heater, barring unforeseen, major occurrences, you should not have to worry about it for years and years. However, when they decide after 20 yrs to break, it is often a snap decision that has to be done fast and with as much accuracy as possible. Considering your needs for hot water and also looking into Energy Star Products is the first step. These have been designed for the needs of now and the future energy concerns.

If you are getting ready to replace an old electric hot water heater, you are going to have to decide what kind of replacement water heater you want. Making that decision doesn't have to be mind boggling. There are several great products on the market that are both energy savers and do the job well.There are the old standard water heaters that work great and there are the new tankless hot water heaters which appear to have mixed reviews.

We know that we are going to have to replace ours at some point in the near future. We have been looking around and checking various options. The first one we saw on the internet was this one. It is not out yet, but should be coming in the latter part of 2009. Just from what we have read and researched, this sounds like what we will go with. I have listed several that we also have checked out.

1.The GE Hybrid Electric Hot Water Heater.

Average Cost: This is not really priced yet, but will probably have a hefty tag with it. Considering the time frame it will be used, about 30 years, it should be worth the investment.

The new GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater will provide the same hot water you are already getting, but requires about half the energy to get it hot. For example, based on the same size standard tank water heater that uses approximately 4800 kWh per year, the new GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater is designed to:

According to the GE Spec Sheet:

Use less than half of that energy - or about 2300 kWh per year - a savings of approximately 2500 kWh per year.

Save approximately $250 per year, and $2,500 savings in energy costs over a 10 year period based on 10 cents per kWh.

It has both energy-saving heating technology and the more traditional electric heating systems used in standard water heaters, without losing the ability to produce functional hot water.

This is considered a hybrid which means it absorbs heat in ambient air and moves it into the water. Less energy to absorb and transfer heat means less energy to generate it . Unlike the old standard electric water heater. The GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater also has an electronic control that allows you to set the thermostat and forget it or easily change the desired water temperature for more energy efficiency.

2.Kenmore 40-Gallon Electric Hot Water Heater.

Average Cost: $450

According to Sears/Kenmore Specs Sheet:

Dualwatt lower element that converts from 3800 to 5500 watts easily

Easy access thermostat adjustment

Factory installed temperature and pressure relief valve

Two elements, lower handles normal needs while the upper element responds to heavy demands

9 year limited tank warranty ;

Super Limeguard elements last longer, superior resistance to lime build-up ;

Self cleaning Roto-Swirl helps prevent mineral build-up in tank ;

Textured steel jacket ; 3 in. of energy efficient foam insulation ;

3.Stiebel Eltron TEMPRA 24 Whole House Tankless.

Average Cost: $650 to $1200 depending on details

According to the Stiebel Eltron Spec Sheet:

Unlimited Supply of Hot Water: Keeps heating water instantly as you require. The Tempra™ system completely replaces a conventional tank heater with no disruption to your comfort and hot water needs.

Saves Energy and Reduces Your Electric Bill: Electric tank type water heaters are subject to stand-by losses which amount to 15 - 20% of the kWH used. Changing to a tankless system results in savings of 15 - 20%.

Control Temperature Simply by Setting a Dial: Set the knob on the front cover and enjoy water temperatures between 86°F (30°C) and 125°F (52°C).

Change the desired temperature at anytime.

Advanced microprocessor technology ensures that the water temperature never deviates from the set point.

Sleek Design Saves Space: The Tempra™ takes up considerably less space than conventional tank type water tanks and saves valuable living space.

Proven Reliability

Specifications and Details according to Stiebel Eltron:

4.1 GPM @ 40°' Rise

Voltage: 208/240

Wattage: 18/24 kW

Amperage: 88/100 A

Min Circuit Breaker Size: 2x60 / 2x60 A

Recommended Wire Size: 2x6 / 2x6 GA

Max Temp Inc @ 1.5 GPM: 82/92°

Working Pressure: 150 PSI

Water Connections: 3/4" NPT

Dimensions: 14-9/16" x 14-1/2" x 4-5/8"

Weight: 18 lbs

4.Reliance® Electric Water Heater 950DRK.

Average Cost:

Specs according to Reliance Spec Sheet:

50 gallon capacity

4500 watts/240 volt elements

Self cleaning unit

Unit dimensions: 64"H x 21-1/2"D

2" foam insulation

R-value 16.00

Energy factor .93

Factory installed T & P (temperature and pressure relief) valve

Meets Federal energy standards AHRAE 90A-1980 approved, BOCA approved

UL listed

Meets NAECA codes

Warranty: 9 year tank/parts

Replacement parts: T & P valve Ace no. 4008629, upper thermostat Ace no. 44983, lower thermostat Ace no. 44981

5.US Craftmaster 50-Gallon Energy Smart Electric Water Heater

Average Cost: $350.00

According to US Craftmaster Specs:

Self-Diagnostic Electronic Control

4 user-selectable operation modes

Energy Smart modes save energy and monitor water heater function.

0.92 Energy Factor saves $360 in operating cost

Extended Protection Plans are available for an additional charge

Water Heater Style:

Tall

Tank Capacity (Gallons):

50

Warranty:

9-Year

Number of Elements:

2

Element Wattage (Watts):

4500

Voltage (Volts):

240

Height (Inches):

58.25

Water Connection Location:

Top

Water Connection Size:

3/4"

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve:

Yes

GPH Recovery at 90 Degrees F (Gallons):

20.7

Energy Factor:

0.92

Foam Insulation:

Yes

UL Listed:

Yes

CSA Listed:

Yes

ETL Listed:

Yes

Residential

There are many electric hot water heaters on the market today. It is important when deciding that you consider how much hot water you use and how best to save money on both the original purchase as well as energy savings down the road. Research is essential in making this long term choice, even though you may have to move more quickly than usual. These are just a small percentage of the ones available. Your local Home Depot or Lowes can provide both visual research but valuable information pertaining to a wide range of products out there.

If you have had your hot water heater forever and realize the potential for future problems, best advice is to look ahead and do more extensive research. Well planned and well prepared is always an easier option.