If you want your hot water system to be “green”, it takes more than simply buying an energy-efficient water heater. Water starts at your water heater. But from there it travels all through your home. For your entire water system to be green, it means concentrating on every piece – not just one or two parts.

For an energy efficient water system to be green, it must use the least amount of water possible while still giving you the access you need. If you think about one of the biggest water wasters in you home, you’ll quickly come up with the idea of letting water go down the drain without using it at all. From filling your kitchen sink for the dishes, to washing your face in the evening, to your morning showers, its not uncommon to leave the water run for several minutes while you wait for the water to warm to the touch.

Therefore it would make sense to add this to your list of things to change.

To heat the water efficiently, you must start by having the right water heater. Water heaters have an efficiency rating that will help you choose the most efficient heater for your system. Tankless water heaters aren’t necessarily the best choice; traditional and hybrid water heaters can be just as efficient, depending on the type and style you select.

To ensure that the water stays hot in the pipes for as long as possible, the next step is to insulate your water pipes.

Finally, to make sure the hot water reaches your faucets as quickly as possible, ensure your water heater is located as close to the faucets as possible. If you have a large home, you may want to consider adding additional water heaters in multiple areas of your home. You can also use a recirculating pump, which pushes and pulls the hot water to the faucet at the push of a button. The demand pump will shut off once the hot water reaches the designated faucet.

To have a truly green hot water system, you must pay attention to all aspects of your water system. From the choice of water heaters to the layout of your plumbing, everything matters. To be green, make sure your entire system is green, not just your water heater.

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If you’ve lived in your home for a number of years, you probably won’t think much about what type of water heater you should buy. Because your home is already set up using either an electric or gas water heater, unless you are willing to go through an entire home renovation, you’ll probably stick with the same system.

Yet if you are building your new home from the ground up, the choice will be there.

A gas water heater, in general, is cheaper to use and will create hot water faster. The larger your family, the more water you demand through a large home, the more benefits a gas water heater will have. Yet the one drawback is location. A gas water heater cannot be installed in a living area, and must be kept out of bathrooms or bedrooms.

Electric water heaters can be installed almost anywhere. While most people think electric water heaters are outdated devices, they have had major improvements since their invention. They can be installed under your sink or in tight locations – perfect for small living spaces, such as condos.

While it may seem like an easy choice to simply choose the water heater with the lowest price, its also important to consider operating costs as well. The average water heater will last 10 to 13 years, with electric models sometimes tipping the scales towards 20 years. Which means your choice may seem logical when originally looking at the price tag, yet may be completely different when looking at costs over the next 10 to 20 years. If your electricity costs are high and rising, you may save a considerable amount of money simply by going with the gas model.

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Nothing can be worse than getting up in the morning to a cold shower.

If your hot water tank is not producing hot water, you may need to do some troubleshooting to see exactly what the problem is. Taking a look at some of the most common reasons why your hot water tank may not be producing hot water and how to correct the problem will help keep you “in hot water” for many years.

In most cases, when a hot water heater is not producing hot water, the pilot light has gone out.  To see if this is the problem, look to see if the pilot light is lit.  If it is out, relighting it should successfully correct the problem.

In other cases, the problem lies with the thermocouple.  A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature. It consists of two dissimilar metals wires joined at one common junction on your water heater. Tightening or repositioning the thermocouple may be an easy solution to your problem.  And in many cases, this will restore your water heater’s ability to produce hot water.  If you aren’t sure where the thermocouple is or tightening it doesn’t work, it may be time to call in a professional.

If you hot water tank uses an electric thermostat, you may need to check and ensure electricity is being provided to your electrical thermostat.  If it is, then your thermostat itself may need to be replaced in order for your hot water to be restored.

Finally, if you have taken measures to check everything else, it may be a faulty heating element that is preventing your hot water tank from producing hot water. Ensure that the heating element is being provided with power.  If it is and your water is still not getting hot, the heating element may need to be replaced.

Not having access to hot water can cause disruption in anyone’s life.  With no hot water, there are several tasks that would be more difficult to complete.  These tasks can include:

• Bathing

• Washing dishes

• Basic cleaning

If your hot water tank is not producing hot water, use the troubleshooting methods listed above to help you determine and rectify the problem.  And if none seem to work, call in your plumber to solve the problem quickly.

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Every appliance in your home has two costs. The first is the price you pay when you purchase it. The second is the cost of operating the appliance over its lifetime. And while most people focus in on the upfront costs, they may be a bit surprised if they dug a little deeper and looked at total costs instead. What can save you a few dollars up front may wind up costing you hundreds or even thousands over its lifetime.

One of the most expensive items in your home to operate is your water heater. Heating your water every month accounts for about 15 percent of your utility bill. And if you have a water heater 10 years and older, the efficiency rating is no more than 50 percent.

A water heater’s efficiency is measured by its energy factor – EF – which is calculated by its recovery efficiency, standby and cycling losses. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. Typical EF ratings will range:

Electric: 0.7 to 0.95
Gas: 0.5 to 0.8
Heat Pump: 1.5 to 2.0

In addition to the EF rating on a water heater, you should also look for the first hour rating, FHR. The FHR is a measure of how much hot water the water heater will deliver during a busy hour.

Also keep in mind that water heaters will also have standby heat loss. Because water is heated in the tank, it is constantly working whether you are using water or not. Energy can be wasted during the time periods when you aren’t requesting water. The older the water heater, the more chance of this loss occurring. Which means it will be more expensive to operate overall. You can look to the Energy Guide labels on the water heaters you are considering as they will list the annual estimated cost of operating.

And if you have any questions, ask a plumber. We can provide you with guidance on what is your best choice for your unique situation.

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Water heaters are standard in most residential homes, apartment complexes and mobile homes. They are responsible for converting the cold water that pumps into a home into the hot water used for washing clothes, dishes and ourselves. Even though these heat-producing cylinders are fairly commonplace, they are also a bit of a mystery for many homeowners and renters. Tenants tend to call on the help of a professional maintenance operator to handle any issues that may arise with the heater. This does not mean that safety around a water heater should be forgotten.  In order to stay safe around a water heater throughout the year there are certain safety tips to keep in mind.

1.    Keep the area around the water heater clean. Make sure that dust, debris and any flammable objects are cleared away from the area. Be sure to sweep and mop the area regularly to prevent any dust build up that may occur.

2.    Keep a regular eye on the temperature valve of the water heater. This valve opens when too much pressure builds up in the water heater. If this valve is clogged or blocked in any way, an explosion could occur, causing extensive damage to your property or yourself.

3.    During the summer months, many tenants may experience bug problems. This is the time of year when bug bombs are used in the house to stop the bug issues from occurring. Make sure that the pilot light on the water heater is off and that the gas line is closed completely before any foggers or bug bombs are set off in the home. Foggers and bug bombs are highly flammable and when they come in contact with an open valve on a water heater, they can cause a fire or explode.

4.    Regularly check gas valves to make sure that no flammable gas is leaking near the water heater.

5.    Do not store flammable liquid or items near the water heater.

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Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their home energy budget in today’s economy. While small things, like replacing old lightbulbs, can amount to a huge savings over the course of a year; finding large, one time changes may make more sense. So many people naturally turn to the one thing they use every day: water. And when it comes to your home’s water, heating it impacts about thirty percent of an average home’s energy use.

However, one of the top options being brought to the table for a “quick fix” may not be as efficient as many believe. Tankless water heaters are an option that should be explored with care.

Most tankless heaters are a bit more costly up front than their holding tank counterparts. Add in that most models will need an electrical outlet, upgraded gas pipes and also special ventilation systems. This can often make installation costs a bit more prohibitive than people think.

Tankless heaters may not provide the endless hot water many manufacturers claim. One of the more common complaints about these models is the fact that hot water consistency just isn’t there. Most tankless models will first feed cold water to determine the temperature level needed. So the heater may not ignite if you’re just using a small amount of hot water – such as if you are shaving or washing your hands.

They also require more care than the traditional tanked hot water heaters. Tankless models tend to have a scale build up issue and they need to be serviced about once every year. Calcium build up can have a tremendous impact on a tankless heater’s efficiency and a water softener may also need to be installed. If you plan on getting a tankless heater, check your warranty. It may be shortened if you don’t obtain a water softener along with the water heater.

A tankless water heater can be a great solution under the right circumstances. Like any home improvement investment, it does require a bit of homework to understand if this option is right for you. Before jumping in with both feet and contacting a tankless water heater dealer, who will always praise the product, talk with an experienced plumber first. Your plumber can give you the pros and cons of each choice and provide you with the best options to meet your needs.

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In most instances, the answer to our last question is no.  If your water heater is constantly running, there is probably a problem.  Here are a few potential problems you could be having and a few steps you could take before calling the plumber.

You might have a leak – A leak would be a constant drain on the hot water supply within the tank.  To make up for the loss of hot water, your tank would need to run more frequently to keep the same level of hot water as before.  If your water heater is constantly running the first thing you should do is check the unit and the pipes immediately around it for leaks.

You might have insufficient insulation – If the water heater is not properly insulated, it will be unable to maintain the water temperature.  If this is the issue you can purchase an insulating wrap at any local hardware store.

You might have sediment build-up – Over time sediment builds up in the bottom of your water heater.  If you haven’t drained your tank in a while, sediment may be causing your tank to function inefficiently.  Draining the tank will clean it out and fix the efficiency problem. We provide advice on how to do it yourself, or if you want to avoid the time and mess of doing it yourself, give us a call.

Your tank might be old – Of course, your water heater issues might simply be from a tank that needs replacing.  Older tanks will have to run more frequently to maintain a good water temperature.  Solution: buy a new tank.

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What are your goals for 2012? Is it to find ways to save money? Is it to find ways to conserve energy, and be kinder to our planet?

While people approach conservation from a many different angles, one of the easiest ways to make a difference both to our planet and to your pocket book is to focus in on what you use every day. Water is our main resource; something we consume every day. From flushing the toilet, to taking showers, to washing clothes and dishes, to using it to cook, water is something we simply can’t live without. And because a lot of what we use runs through our home’s water heater, your water heater is one of the first places to start.

If you are in the market for a new water heater, of course you can shop for an energy efficient model.  However, until that time, here are a few things you can do to make your current water heater more energy efficient.

1.    Lower the thermostat - One easy way to save energy is to require less.  If you lower the temperature on your heater’s thermostat, your water heater will run and heat up water at a slower level.  Setting the temperature to 120 degrees will keep the water hot enough for most purposes.

2.    Insulation - The first step in energy savings is to make the best of the energy you use.  Insulating your water heater and the pipes immediately adjacent to the tank will help keep the water hot and prevent the use of extra energy to reheat the water.

3.    Fix leaks – Not only do you want to maintain heat, you want to maintain the hot water.  A leaky faucet leads to needless waste of water as well as the energy needed to heat it.

4.    Change your faucets – Low flow faucets use less water and less hot water.  Less hot water used translates into lower energy output for heating water.

5.    Install heat traps – Many newer water heaters are created with heat traps built in.  However, if you have an older model, you might consider installing heat traps for your water heater.  This will help keep the heat where you want it – warming up your water.

6.    Drain regularly – Older tank water heaters accumulate sediment over time. Clean out your tank on a regular basis, eliminate the sediment that accumulates on the bottom, and inspect the overall working condition.

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When you step into a steaming hot shower or sink into a tub of bubbles, you are enjoying one of the benefits of having a water heater. You probably do not think about your water heater – unless it stops working. However, learning how your water heater works will help you to better maintain its operation.

A properly maintained water heater has a longer lifespan than one that is neglected. Instead of having to invest in a new water heater every few years, you can save your money for other things.

Water heaters, whether they are gas, propane or electric, are constructed in the same, basic manner. Your water heater consists of a water tank within the outer metal wall. This water tank holds a certain amount of water, usually from 30 to 50 gallons.

There is a layer of insulation between this interior water tank and the exterior (the part that you see every day). A heating mechanism is inside of your water heater. This mechanism heats the water at the lower part of the tank. Your water heater has a place where the water enters the tank and a place where the heated water exits the tank.

Your water heater also has a thermostat for controlling the temperature of the water. You can adjust the temperature of your hot water to suit your personal needs. Normally, between 120 to 140 degrees is hot enough for regular household use.

Your water heater functions in a basic manner – the cold water enters the tank. It is heated by the heating mechanism. As the water gets warmer, it rises to the top because cold water is denser than warm water. This heated water is then ready to leave the tank and enter your tub, shower, washing machine, and kitchen sink.

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Whether it’s cheaper gas, sales on groceries, discounts on insurance, or a reduction in monthly bills; we all want to save money.  A new trend in the money saving movement has been a transition to more energy efficient household equipment.  Consumers can now find just about anything from energy efficient light bulbs to energy efficient appliances.

As you try to go green, save some green, and conserve energy, do you know how to tell if your water heater is energy efficient?  Do you know what to look for to help find out?

The Energy Factor (EF) is the measurement for energy efficiency in water heaters.  This number measures the percentage of energy that is maintained in the water that your water heater has warmed vs. the loss of energy through heat escaping the unit.  A typical new electric water heater has an EF of .95.  Ninety-five percent of the energy used to heat the water remains in the hot water.

The age of the unit will be a major factor in the efficiency of you water heater. Appliances become less efficient over time.  Even if your unit was highly energy efficient when new, as it ages, it will loose some of its efficiency.

If your water heater was built before 1991, it has additional reasons (aside from its age) for potential energy inefficiency.  In 1991, a new conservation act required all units to achieve an energy efficiency of .88 or higher.  Prior to this act, the average water heater had an energy efficiency of .80 to .86 (much lower than the current average of .95).

If your heater has a fiberglass insulation rather than foam, your water heater was probably built prior to 1991.  If that is the case, now might be a good time to consider replacing your old unit with a new, energy efficient water heater.

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