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 |
