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Water Heating and Plumbing

Water heating can account for between 14 and 25 percent of a home's energy consumption. It is the second-largest energy expense in U.S. households behind space heating and cooling.

Selecting the right type of water heater and using energy-efficient water heating strategies can help homeowners lessen their energy use, lower their utility bills, and enjoy adequate amounts of hot water. The challenge is to determine the type and size of water heater best suited to the needs of a specific home.

Reducing Hot Water Use

The first step in achieving lower water-heating bills involves reducing hot water use. This should be done even before considering the purchase of a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Lessening hot water use can be accomplished by installing low-flow fixtures, fixing leaks, and purchasing an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.

Choosing a Water Heating System

The most common type of home water heater is the conventional storage water heater. They range in capacity from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water and can operate on a variety of energy sources. This type of system, although the most common, is generally not the most efficient as it continually heats a large quantity of water whether it's needed or not.

There are a number of choices beyond the conventional storage water heater, including demand (tankless) water heaters, heat pumps, solar heaters, and tankless coil and indirect water-heating systems. Choosing the best water-heating system for a home requires an understanding of how each type works and the comparative advantages of one system over another.

Learn More Information on hot water energy-saving tips, explanations of different hot water systems, and criteria for selection and purchase are available at the following links: A Consumer's Guide to Selecting a New Water Heater A Consumer's Guide to Energy-Efficient Water Heating Energy Saver Tips on Water Heating

Plumbing

• Do not install plumbing in exterior walls. Seal around plumbing penetrations in all exterior surfaces, surfaces that border on unconditioned spaces, and between floors. Use fire-resistant sealant in plates between floors.

• Water heaters can be located in the basement or a conditioned crawlspace (space permitting) or enclosed within a closet. If enclosed, ventilation grilles may be needed to provide combustion air. Water heaters located in conditioned spaces should be power vented or power-direct vented.