The aspect of green energy that most people think of is the energy source. Of course the sun and wind are green energy sources, and it’s important to choose a green energy source for the most environmentally friendly results.
Be that as it may, another important aspect of green energy is energy efficiency. In this article provided by Climate Civics Institute, we will discuss points to take into consideration when choosing a heating system for water. Read on to learn more.
When choosing a water heating system for your home, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, you must be sure the whatever system is chosen will provide you and your family with enough hot water to meet your needs.
Second, if you are paying your own water heating bills, you are sure to want the most efficient and economical choice. Third, for the good of the planet, energy conservation is always a good thing regardless of the energy source you choose. A water heating system that uses energy wisely is always a good choice.
Most people are only familiar with the standard gas or electric water heaters that keep a given amount of water at a regular temperature at all times. You may be surprised to know that there are actually half a dozen types of water heaters to choose from.
Of course, you could choose an Energy Star rated conventional gas or electric water heater; however, you might be happier with one of the other four choices.
These are:
1. On-demand tankless water heaters that simply heat the water as you need it.
2. Heat pump water heaters provide heat for a variety of uses rather than just for heating water.
3. Solar water heaters use the free energy of the sun to get water hot.
4. Indirect and tankless coil water heaters use heat provided by the home heating system get water hot.
The choice you make will be affected by a number of different factors. One of the first things you should consider is the type of fuel available for heating water and the cost of that fuel. You will want to choose a water heater that uses a fuel type that is easily available and affordable in your area. If you have several different options in fuel types, you can make a decision by comparing the size, efficiency and cost of a variety of units.
It’s important to choose the right size water heater to meet the needs of your family. To do this, you must research information on a variety of types of water heaters. Listings of water heaters usually provide a gallons per minute amount as well as giving you information on the maximum water temperature attainable. Take note of this information and compare it carefully.
Another factor you must consider is energy efficiency. The more efficient your water heating system is, the more money and/or energy you will save, no matter what source of energy you have chosen. For example, if you have decided to install a whole house solar energy system, you may choose an electric water heater to work with that system.
Even though your electricity will be very inexpensive (or even free once your solar energy system has paid for itself) you will still want a water heater that uses energy conservatively so that you will have more energy to use for other things or sell back to the power grid. If you choose a water heater that uses some other source of energy, just keep in mind that the more conservatively you use energy, the more energy is generally available.
Naturally, you will also want to consider the expense of purchasing a water heater. Happily, as technology improves, the prices of many of the newer types of water heaters, such as solar and continuous have been reduced. These types of efficient water heaters are now just about as affordable as conventional gas and electric tank water heaters.
Once you have taken the time to carefully compare and consider the many options available in water heating today, you will surely be able to make a choice that you and your family will be happy with for years to come. Refer to the information presented here to begin your search for the perfect, economical green energy water heater.
