Water Heating
Posted on 01. Nov, 2009 by Grace in Energy Efficient Homes
In addition to the cooling and heating of rooms in your home, water heating as well is considered one of the biggest energy expenses in most homes today. As a matter of fact, it is accountable for almost 17% of your monthly utility bill. Thankfully, there are various ways you can lower your water heating costs. These include reducing the use of hot water, insulating your water heater, setting the water heater’s thermostat to a lower temperature, and getting a new water heater that is more energy-efficient.
If using a water heater that runs on electricity, you are probably spending a lot on your energy bill. You may want to consider getting a solar water heater that has the Energy Star logo on it. These water heaters, which run on solar energy, can be incorporated into the rest of your home’s architecture without causing a negative impact on the design itself.
As of today, there are about 1.5 million business establishments and residential buildings all around the United States that are using solar water heating. According to surveys, about 95% of these owners consider the system to be an excellent investment. In addition to the fact that solar water heating is cost-effective, it is a great way to help the environment as well. If you were to use the alternative of a solar water heater for twenty years, it is highly likely that you would be avoiding as much as fifty tons of carbon dioxide being emitted into the air, which would help prevent over-accumulation of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Those who are in the market for a new solar water heater should be sure to only get a model that displays the Energy Star seal, which certifies that it passes the standards of the Florida Solar Energy Center.
You could also ask the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation about the various water heater manufacturers who have passed their standards before shopping for an environment-friendly water heater.
Another option when it comes to shopping for a solar water heater is to visit the website of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at www.dsireusa.org. This website has a database where you can get information on manufacturers of solar water heaters that are truly cost-effective and earth-friendly. Additionally, this website allows you to find out whether you would be qualified for a tax rebate or credit, if you were to choose to buy a new solar water heater for your home.