from Arlene in Bruce Crossing, MI :
#406
I have The Time of Use program in my home with my utility. I want to upgrade my 30-year old 82-gallon electric hot water heater. Would an electric on-demand water heater for the home fit my needs under the Time Use program?
There might be a better solution.
Unless your hot water usage falls only during the off-peak hours, a tankless or an on-demand electric water heater will not likely be a good fit. Instead, a new tank-type, electric water heater with a high energy factor (EF) wired to a timer so that the unit will only heat during off-peak hours is a better solution. Another way to save about one-third to half of your water heating bill, is to switch to a high efficiency gas or propane water heater.
Other good ideas to help you save water and energy include:
- Insulating hot water pipes the first few feet of the main water line coming into the house and a few feet of the cold water line at the water heater.
- Choosing appliances that use less water, such as ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwashers and clothes washers.
- Choosing quality, water-efficient products (toilets, showerheads, and faucets) with the EPA’s WATER SENSE logo.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Web site also offers same great tips on ways to lower your water heating bills.
Published Tuesday, August 11, 2009