Heating water for your home can be done in a multitude of ways. One option is solar water heaters that draw all their power from the sun. Solar heaters collect the sunlight to use when you need hot water. Solar options use less fossil fuels to keep your home running. A residential water heater helps homeowners accomplish tasks inside the home. Choosing the most efficient and budget-friendly option can be difficult with all the information on the internet. Here is a simple breakdown of the pros and cons of solar water heaters that can help you make an informed decision. 

Types Of Solar Heaters And How They Heat Water For Your Home

Solar water heaters collect the UV rays from the sun and use that thermal energy to heat water. Active and passive solar heaters are available for homes or businesses. 

Active 

Active solar water heaters use either direct circulating systems or indirect circulating systems. Direct systems pump the water solar collectors to create the hot water. These options are not good for climates that experience freezing temperatures.

Indirect circulation is a non-freezing liquid through collectors and a heat exchanger to help keep the water warm. This water is then put in a potable water tank that can keep it from freezing. 

Passive

These heaters store the water for cold days when the sun is not as prominent. They are more dependable than active systems but can run out of heat after an extended cold spell. There are also two types of systems under the passive water heater umbrella. 

Integral collector-storage uses the sun to heat the water through a transparent cover. The water is then transported to the plumbing system. These will not work in areas that are prone to freezing

Thermosyphon systems have a collector on your roof that only heat the water when your hot water faucet is switched on. These systems can hold up to 40 gallons of water at a time. 

Pros Of Solar Heaters

Limited Environmental Impact

The biggest benefit of implementing a solar water heater is that it limits your carbon footprint. Using renewable energy, like the sun can reduce greenhouse gases and protect the environment. Solar water heaters can be implemented in many homes that want to lower their environmental impact and save money. 

Low Operating Costs

All water heater types require maintenance, but solar heaters have the most minimal requirements of all heaters. Consistent inspections and service appointments are all you need to keep the water heater running. This will save you money over the years. 

Save On Energy Bills

The less energy you need to use in your home the less you will have to pay in utility bills. Once your heater is installed, you have free access to the sunlight, which means that you will see a reduction in your energy bills within the month. 

Longevity

The right solar water heater will last for over 20 years. Some of the components may even last longer when they are properly taken care of. Making the investment in a solar water heater is always worthwhile.

Government Incentives

Because solar water heaters are good for the environment, many government entities offer incentives for installing one in your home. Tax credits, rebates, or other incentives are offered to those who implement solar options in their homes. 

Cons Of Solar Water Heaters

Weather Dependent

When you are utilizing the sun for energy, you are at the will of the clouds. When the weather is cloudy or stormy, your water heater may not be able to heat water as quickly as normal. 

Hard To Install

Installing a solar water heater is complex. It should be done by a professional to ensure that it will last for its lifetime. It involves plumbing mechanisms and could require structural alterations to your building. 

Space Requirements

Adequate roof space is needed for solar water heaters. This can be a con when it comes to homes that are smaller, or who may already have solar panels on their roofs. For densely populated areas, it may not be possible to install multiple solar units. 

Aesthetics

Having solar panels on your roof that help to create hot water can change the aesthetics of your home. Some homeowners will not like the look of multiple solar panels across their entire home. 

Concerns Of Freezing

Homes that are in colder climates may not be able to implement solar water heaters because of freezing temperatures. Some solar heaters will be able to implement antifreeze solutions to keep the system flowing, but not all heaters have this option. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, solar heaters are not for you.

Homes need to have a water heater if they want to use hot water for showering, washing clothes, washing dishes, or cleaning. Tankless water heaters are becoming more in more popular in homes as their water heating source because of their smaller size and ease of installation. 

Before installing a new water heater it is typical for homeowners to have questions. In this blog, we will answer some of the most common questions about tankless water heaters. These answers should help you determine if a tankless heater or a traditional heater is better for your needs. 

1- How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?

Understanding how a tankless water heater works is the best way to know if one is right for your home. The biggest benefit of tankless water heaters is they heat water on demand. As soon as your tap is turned on the water heater heats water and pushes it through the pipes. Once the tap is off, the burners inside the heater turn off to save you energy. 

Questions about tankless water heaters also include thoughts on how they compare to tank-style heaters. Traditional tank heaters constantly are pulling energy to have hot water on hand. Instead of heating water while you are not using it, tankless heaters only produce what you need.

2- Do Tankless Water Heaters Run On Gas Or Electricity?

Both gas and electricity can be used to run a tankless water heater. The majority of tankless heaters run on gas because it takes far less time to heat up. Some electricity is required to run the water heater as well, but the gas is what is used as the heating element for the water. 

3- What Size Heater Do I Need To Fit My Needs?

Finding a water heater to fit your needs is one of the most common questions about tankless water heaters that plumbers get. This question is important because running out of hot water is never fun. You will want to consider how many people are living in the home, what demands they have, how many bathrooms are in the home, and how big your home is when purchasing a tankless water heater. 

Everyone is unique and their water usage can vary, so working with a plumber or other expert can help you choose the right size and type for your home. 

Water heaters produce gallons of water per minute, which can help you determine what kind of size will be needed if you have a larger home. Some typical water production options for tankless water heaters include 6.5 GPM, 9.8 GPM, and 11 GPM. Some tankless heaters can be used for your entire house if they can keep up with simultaneous hot water demands. 

4- How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?

Because tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, they can typically last longer than heaters with tanks. The average lifespan of a tankless heater is 20 years. When any plumbing mechanism is properly maintained, it can last for much longer. Typically, tank-style water heaters last for 10-15 years, so installing a tankless water heater will save you money not only on the amount of energy you use but also on heater replacement costs. 

5- What Maintenance Do Tankless Heaters Need?

All plumbing should have regular maintenance if you want it to keep running properly. Tune-ups are vital to keeping your water heater running smoothly. It is recommended that all water heaters be flushed and inspected at least once a year. This will help to flush out any sediment or bacteria that may have accumulated. This not only helps your water to stay safe but also improves the performance of the water heater. 

If your water heater is on the outside of your home, it may need some external cleaning or dusting to ensure that they work. Fans and filters may need to be cleaned or replaced to prevent the system from overheating. 

Have More Questions About Tankless Water Heaters? 

Still have questions or concerns about installing a tankless water heater? We would be happy to answer them! A tankless water heater is often the ideal solution for homeowners on a budget or those with smaller homes. There are additional uses for tankless heaters including:

• Heating water for remote hot tubs or bathrooms
• A boost or frequently used appliances
• Limiting the need for frequent water heater replacement
• A backup system or booster for solar water heaters

No matter what your needs are, our experts can help recommend the right water heater for you. We also offer maintenance and repair services after we install the water heater. S&B Plumbing wants all of our clients to have the best residential and commercial plumbing possible.

Purchasing an energy-efficient water heater will help you spend less money and give your home hot water when you need it most. Water heaters will have different heater efficiency ratings, but how do you know what they mean and how they can help you choose the best heater for your home? In this blog we will break down the different water heater efficiency ratings and what they mean for their home. 

The Most Common Water Heater Types

Before we discuss water heater efficiency ratings, you should understand what type of water heater you have in your home. Different types of heaters will require different energy efficiency tests and come with different ratings. 

Storage Tank water heaters use electricity to heat and store water of a large volume on a steady basis. Higher ratings are best when shopping for these types of water heaters. 

Heat Pumps use electricity to move heat from the surrounding air to the water. These are known for their better efficiency and energy savings. 

Tankless Water Heaters heat water on-demand which means you will always have hot water when you need it. Their ratings are based on Gallons Per Minute, which shows the buyer how much hot water they can deliver. 

Energy Factor (EF)

This is the most widely used rating for water heaters no matter what type you have. The rating includes standby heat loss, cycling losses, and recovery efficiency. When you have a higher energy factor rating this means better efficiency for your home. EF ratings change on different water heater types and different heater sizes. 

Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)

Uniform Energy Factor Ratings take similar factors into account as EF ratings, heat loss, standby energy loss, and cycling loss. Non-solar water heaters can be certified by Energy Star if they have a UEF rating of less than 3.30. Energy Star has other criteria like First Hour Rating and Upper and Lower Compressor Cut-Off Temperature that go into a better UEF rating.

Energy Star Certification

The Energy Star Certifications are run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which certifies what appliances are the most efficient for your home. Energy Star Certifications will usually list the annual consumption of water in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This helps buyers see how much they could spend on operating costs for a typical home. 

When a water heater meets these efficiency requirements you will have a more sustainable home, save money on energy bills, and have peace of mind about how your water heater will run. Using less energy will not only benefit the environment but will make your wallet much happier too. 

First Hour Rating (FHR)

This water heater rating is only used to measure the amount of hot water that the tank can deliver during the first hour of use. The rating is determined by looking at your heaters storage tank and analyzing the tank size, insulation, and burner efficiency. When you have a high First Hour Rating, this means you will have better hot water availability. 

Thermal Efficiency

A thermal rating refers to how effectively a water heater converts the energy into fuel and then into hot water. These water heater efficiency ratings are usually attached to gas-powered heaters and are represented by a percentage. For example, if a water heater has a thermal efficiency rating of 84%, that means that it converts 84% of the energy it produces into hot water, while the other 16% is essentially wasted fuel.  

Can I Increase My Water Heater Efficiency Ratings?

If you are unsatisfied with the ratings your water heater has produced, there are some things you can do to make it more efficient. Some options to help increase your ratings include:

• Insulate the water heater and the connecting pipes
• Turn down the temperature of the water heater
• Set a timer on your water heater so it only runs at high-use times
• Get regular maintenance from a plumber
• Replace your water heater with a more energy-efficient model

High-Efficiency Water Heaters From S&B 

In today’s world, it is important to have a sustainable home and conserve energy. Our plumbers at S&B Plumbing can install the highest quality water heaters so that your home is comfortable and efficient. Having hot water for showering and cooking is important for homeowners to feel comfortable in their homes. 

S&B Plumbing has been in business for over 25 years, which means we have learned how to best serve our customers and remedy plumbing problems quickly. Whether you have a leaky sink or need a new plumbing appliance, our team can make it happen.