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Water Heaters in Your Home

Did you know?

* Hot water heaters should be properly sized for your house.

* Extra thick insulation helps prevent radiant heat loss and saves energy and money.

* Water temperatures above 120 F can cause scalding especially on young children.

* Sediment build-up can cause premature tank failure, electric element failure, and excess costs on fuel bills.

* Hot water heaters require yearly maintenance to ensure proper operation.

 


THINGS TO DO: 

* Set hot water heater temperature below 120 F.

* Flush hot water heater through drain valve at least once a year to remove sediment build-up.

* Test safety relief valve once a year to ensure proper operation (this device protects the heater from over-pressurizing and from exceeding 210 F.)

* Keep area around hot water heater, clean and free of combustible and flammable material.

* When leaving for vacation, set hot water heater temperature at its lowest setting. This will save money and reduce the risk of any problems while you are away.

* Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended maintenance schedule.

 

 Members watch the Water Heater Tips Video


DON’T 

* Set hot water heater temperature above 120 F.

* Keep combustible material or flammable material or flammable material within 18” of the hot water heater.

* Never leave children unattended around a hot water heater.

 

 

Water Heater Type Efficiency (EF) Installed Cost 1 Yearly Energy Cost 2 Life (years) Total Cost (Over 13 Years) 3
Conventional gas storage
0.60
$850
$350
13
$5,394
High-efficiency gas storage
0.65
$1,025
$323
13
$5,220
Condensing gas storage
0.86
$2,000
$244
13
$5,170
Conventional oil-fired storage
0.55
$1,400
$654
8
$11,299
Minimum Efficiency electric storage
0.90
$750
$463
13
$6,769
High-eff. electric storage
0.95
$820
$439
13
$6,528
Demand gas (no pilot) 4
0.80
$1,600
$262
20
$5,008
Electric heat pump water heater
2.20
$1,660
$190
13
$4,125
Solar with electric back-up
1.20
$4,800
$175
20
$7,072

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