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Compare 16 electric & 2 gas water heater timers | Figure volts-amps-watts for your water heater | How to troubleshoot electric water heater | Do-it-yourself |  Water heater reviews |
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9 ways to save with a water heaterSaving estimates show approximate maximum saving, and depend on hot water usage and many other factorsReducing consumption is best way to save |
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✔ 1a. Install
Dual-handle faucets when replacing faucets Prevent unintentional hot water consumption This type of faucet does not have crossover problem caused by bad cartridge. It is easy to know when Hot water is drawn from tank. Do not open Hot side when using cold water. Save $2-8 per month |
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2. Fix
drips and leaks When hot side faucet drips, then cold water is entering tank at same rate water is dripping out of faucet. Water-loss-with-one-drip Government drip calculator Save 1/2 gallon per day: Save $1-8 per month. |
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MaintainHow to maintain water heater |
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3. Maintain
water heater and it can last twice as long - or more Save $8-10 per month If water heater lasts 10 years, and cost $600 to buy and install today, but $1200 to buy and install 10 years from now, then the depreciation cost is $8-10 per month. All costs are energy. Add depreciation cost to monthly energy bill to accurately estimate cost for operating water heater. And also figure that new heater 10 years from now will cost even more. It makes sense to maintain water heater. |
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4. Do
not expose gas water heater to flammable vapor
Read1 about FVIR Read2 about FVIR This applies to gas water heaters and electric heat pump water heaters. Save loss of life and home. Save possible replacement of water heater. Today's gas water heaters require more clean air, and no exposure to flammables. Flammable vapor ignition retardation system is mandatory on gas water heaters due to casualty and property loss by insurance industry. Specific things cause FVIR to trip including poor air quality, bad vent, dirty conbustion parts, clogged air intake, and exposure to flammable vapors. FVIR senses ignition of flammable vapor from solvent or fuel, and shuts access between flame and fuel. Thus preventing flashover or explosion that will save your life. Flammable vapor event can require replacement of water heater. Do not store gasoline in unapproved or open container. Read household product labels for flammable warnings. Turn off burner and pilot when using flammables Dirty air intake can also cause FV lockout. Slower air means slower venting, yet same amount of gas is burned, causing overheated combustion chamber, and FV trips. Read water heater manual for advisories Read2 Water heater precautions |
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 Adjust thermostat down to 120° |
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5.
Turn
down thermostat For each 10 degree reduction, save 3-5% operating cost. Save $2-4 per month standby cost 120 degrees or lower is considered optimal 130 degrees recommended to kill bacteria when washing clothes Temperatures above 140 can cause minerals to distill out of water and damage pipes See how to adjust temperature on gas and electric water heaters How to increase amount of hot water Use surge protector when water heater plugs into outlet Set lower thermostat less than upper thermostat, unless home has peak consumption. Typical electric water heater heats 21 gallons hot water per hour with 4500 watt elements Heats 16 gallons hot water with 3500 watt elements. See chart  |
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Washing
machine/ dishwasher Use cold water instead of hot Turn off hot to washing machine Connect dishwasher to cold water line. Connect under-counter water heater to cold water line instead of hot If very hot 135 degree water temperature is needed for wash day: Raise water heater temperature for that day or hour, and then reduce temperature to 120 degrees later. How to adjust temperature Adjust water temperature on front of water heater: Whirlpool energy smart Use timer to temporarily raise water heater temperature (alters water heater wiring/ voids product warranty) |
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 Take showers instead of bath.  Use safety grab bar on bathtub Safety grab bar at Amazon Bathtub safety grab bars  |
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 Cost $20 => Payback less than 1 year. Water heater insulation blankets at Amazon See illustration |
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7.Wrap
water
heater with insulation and save 4-9%
operating cost. read1
US Dept of Energy suggests R-8 which equals 2-1/2" fiberglass
insulation.
Home centers sell ready-to-use blanket for $25. Save $2-8 per month ✔ Does water heater need insulation? Will 2" foam stop 50 degree temperature differential? No. Tape thermometer to water heater, cover thermometer with fiberglass insulation, after 20 minutes, remove insulation & compare before and after thermometer reading. Electric water heater and gas water heater are wrapped differently Both gas and electric: Never obstruct TP valve. Leave access to drain. Electric water heater: OK to insulate entire tank, except TP valve. Gas water heaters: NO insulation on top of tank -or- over draft air inlet -or- air intake opening -or- around gas control valve |
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 Insulate pipes |
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8. Insulate
pipes at water heater and rest of house Save 25 cents - 1 dollar per month x 30 years = $90-180 Water pipes lose heat. When colder water enters tank, it must be heated more. Pipes on top of tank draw heat out of water heater. Tank runs more. Gas water heater: Insulation must stay away from top of heater and vent pipe. Electric water heater: Insulation can cover all pipes and top of water heater |
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9. Insulate
TP valve Small savings each month Add insulation to TP valve to prevent heat loss. Do not cover lever with insulation. Do not cap off TP valve or cap off discharge tube. Read about TP valve code Water heater safety precautions How to replace TP valve Troubleshoot leaking water heater |
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 Electric water heater only |
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10. Set
ELECTRIC
water heater on
insulated surface
to prevent heat loss through bottom of tank. Electric water heater only: Internal steel tank has no insulation on bottom. Water in bottom of tank is hot. Proof: open drain valve at tank bottom releases hot water. Heat loss can be slowed with insulation. You are warmer sitting on insulation, so is water heater. Small savings each month For example, use Dow blue styrafoam Or build 2x4 frame filled with insulation and covered with 3/4" plywood. Plywood is good insulator. Metal and aluminum are very poor insulators and will cause heat loss. To test insulation value of material, put hand on material and see if it warms quickly under hand Note: water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon 40 gallon steel water heater filled with water weighs approx 450lbs. 80 gallon water heater with water 870lbs. Make sure floor structure can support weight of 2-4 large men. |
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11.
Install
water
heater
timer Save $10+ per month by reducing consumption in conjunction with timer Good for homes with few people and homes with peak electric pricing Not good for homes with several people and large consumption habits. Timers can save money when people also reduce consumption and schedule hot water read1 read2. See water heater timers Read3 If you have old heater, start fresh: clean out tank, replace anode rod, lower thermostats, wrap heater with insulation, and install a timer. Go next door and install timer for neighbor. How much money does a timer save
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12.
Off-peak
water heater options Save by avoiding peak electric pricing Applies to electric water heaters Avoid peak electric prices. Save money. Wire timer to operate electric water heater during off-peak times. Water heater is always ON like usual, but less hot water is available during peak-price hours How to wire off-peak water heater Changing water heater to 120Volts will save money during peak hours. If people also lower consumption. How to convert water heater to 120Volt. How to install electric meter on water heater. |
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  Flexible Water Heater Connector at Amazon |
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15. Use
Flexible copper -or- flexible Stainless Steel lines when
using
flexible connections Read1 Source Source I personally use copper flex lines and they seem thicker and more stout than flexible stainless. Save cost of clogged pipes and plumbing repairs Broken and leaking pipes cause repair costs. Braided hoses can leak, and interior rubber coating can come apart and get into pipes. This applies to both water heater and washing machine and water softener. Ruptured washing machine hose and water heater supply lines cause flooded homes. Use di-electric nipples between flex connections and water heater. See insurance loss chart, water heater failure data High water pressure above 80psi can cause water heater damage, plumbing damage and rupture. Install pressure-reducing valve and set pressure for 40 psi. Read about low hot water pressure and clogged pipes |
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 Minimum 6" |
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 Keep insulation away
from top of gas water heater. Insulate both hot and cold pipes.
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17. Electrically
ground water heater pipes on gas and electric water
heaters.
Save cost of plumbing repairs Water heaters that rust out quickly might be connected to water pipes that are not grounded. Hot water pipes are not grounded in many homes. Read Pdf To get 'rid of stray current corrosion, jumper between hot and cold pipes with #6 solid copper wire. And check that cold water pipe is grounded to main panel and to grounding rod. Read1 Read2 Check that water heater is bonded to electrical ground: this action will prevent electrocution. Example image shows: ground wire, di-electric nipples, heat-traps, and pipe insulation With gas water heater, keep insulation above top of tank With electric water heater, pipes can be fully insulated Attach vent hood to water heater using 3 sheet metal screws Connect each vent join with 3 sheet metal screws Read about low hot water pressure and clogged pipes |
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18. Prevent
electrocution/ injury: Electrically
ground gas and electric water heater Family safety Check that water heater is bonded to electrical ground at main panel: this action will prevent electrocution. Add a ground screw directely to metal tank, and run ground wire to grounding busbar on main panel. Applies to gas and electric water heaters. Many gas water heaters are connected to electrical outlet for power vent, or damper etc Electric water heaters have ground screw. Make sure ground wire from main panel is connected to screw. Attach ground wire from both hot and cold pipes to ground screw. Shorts can occur if electric heating element touches anode rod, or if element cracks inside electric heating element. See image Read more. |
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19. Electric water heater: use 30 amp
breaker and 10 gauge wire
Save cost of replacing circuit breaker/ and/or replacing main breaker panel Use 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire on household 4500 watt water heater. 30 amp circuit runs cooler = less amp loss from heat = more efficient use of electricity Circuit breaker and breaker box last longer How to replace circuit breaker Figure volts amps for water heater |
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| If circuit breaker is undersized,
or if breakers feel warm Install 3500 watt elements instead of 4500 watt elements. Recovery is slower by 6 gallon per hour. Circuit breaker load is reduced. Troubleshoot household electricity Choose correct wire and breaker |
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20. Set
water heater higher: avoid
rising water.
Save cost of water heater replacement Flooded heater will void warranty and manufacturers recommend replacement. Do not touch water heater that has been flooded, risk of electric shock. Make sure breakers are turned off before servicing. Most homes have ground wire connected to cold water pipe. Flooded gas water heater can be risk of explosion and fire if put back into service. Malfunctioning gas control valve and gas that is not completely burned cause risk. Read flooded water heater |
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✔ 21. Inspect
tank each 6 months for water leak Save cost of water damage caused by ruptured tank or broken pipe Read about anode rods Prevent leaks: Read: Leaking water heater Avoid major damage to home caused by tank rupture and leaking.. Inspect water heater each 6 months. Inspect and replace anode rod every 2 years. Read Put drip pan under tank. Use reinforced flexible connections. Keep water pressure below 80 psi, or install expansion tank Read more |
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 Drip pan saves damage See drip pan installation Water heater drip pans at Amazon |
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22. Inspect
Anode rod every 1-3 years and increase life of
water heater video
read1
read2 Save $4 per month Prevent leaks and early demise of heater Anode rod prevents water heater from rusting. Maintaining anode rod means water heater lasts longer, saving money. Install 2 anode rods, and tank lasts longer. Two anodes can convert 6-year tank into 12 year tank. Tanks needing frequent anode replacement might benefit from powered anode rod read. |
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Water softener |
Water softeners accelerate anode consumption because
they eliminate the formation of scale in the water heater tank Light scale formation in a water heater is desirable since it forms a barrier film on the exposed steel surfaces in the tank such as pipe connections and weld areas. Read AO Smith pdf |
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23. Turn
off
2nd water heater Save $40 a month right now Read about 2 water heaters Many homes have 2nd water heater for convenience. The 2nd heater may not be necessary. If 2nd water heater is needed, put in a smaller tank, or install under-counter water heater at faucet. How to install under-counter water heater How much does it cost to run water heater? Read |
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25. Install
smaller
tank and reduce consumption. Don't oversize, choose right
size. See chart.
Save $4-10 per month Smaller tank costs less to operate when consumption is also reduced. Overworking gas water heater will cost more in repair. Choose the right size. Conserve. Plan. Put in smaller tank if consumption is reduced. Home might require at least 40 gallon for resale value. Read Home with garden-sized or over-sized tub require minimum 80 gallon first-hour delivery. Consider that all costs are energy, so total cost over life of appliance is important. Save water heater manual. Anticipate that water heater lasts 6-12 years Read the basics, See typical reference chart and plan ahead for most efficient unit read 1. Consider options read 2 Consider solar assisted read 3 read 3a Consider self-cleaning tanks. Dept of Energy efficiency information read 4 Consider heat-pump water heater read 5 read 6 Avoid hype: read side-by-side test for tankless read 7. Compare water heater innovations. Save old tank for solar project read 8 or tempering tank read 9 |
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Avoid large bathtubs |
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 Avoid tankless promotion |
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27. Avoid
tankless water heater promotion.
All costs are energy. Saving money with tankless is highly questionable for average 4-person home. Read side-by-side test results All costs are energy. True cost includes monthly energy bill, cost of product, installation, softener-and-filter, maintenance, water consumption, disposal and replacement of water heater. Read manual and ask questions. Recommended maintenance schedule will cost more than energy savings. Look at parts sheet and ask about repairs costs. Visit manufacturer's website for troubleshoot resources. Web search brand and model. Read1 Troubleshoot Rheem tankless Troubleshoot Bosch tankless |
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 Do-it-yourself repairs |
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28. Do it
yourself repairs Save $300-400 repair bill Fix it yourself, and that saves money. Read product manual before you buy. Keep it simple. Post your question on a pro water heater forum 1 2 3 4 5 6 Read product manual. Install gas water heater yourself |^| Install under-counter water heater |^| Troubleshoot gas water heater |^| Troubleshoot electric water heater |^| Troubleshoot tankless. Visit water heater manufacturer website for manuals see list of manufacturers/brands. Do-it-yourself resources Electric water heater repair parts Avoid 'resistorized' elements, 'lifetime' elements and other promotional gimmicks Generic off-the-shelf elements and thermostats from hardware store work fine |
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Can you fix it yourself? |
Generally:
Heat pump, hybrid water heaters repairs are expensive, repairs are
usually not do-it-yourself, and water heater cannot be maintained to
last longer than 10-12 years. Repairs and replacement cost must factor
into anticipated savings estimate. Tankless repairs are expensive. The warranty does not match promotion. Tankless are maintenance heavy. Anticipated savings shown in promo literature does not factor repais, maintenance and replacement. |
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 Recirculation system |
✔
29. Turn
off
recirculation system. Save $20-35 per year Recirculation system motor costs money to operate, and water heater runs more hours. If you have recirculation system, use timer instead of thermostat to control circulation. Typical Grundfos UP15 pump uses 29 watts and costs modest $25 per year when run 2 hours per day, but water heater runs more and costs additional $20-35 per year. See image Read more |
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 Clean out tank |
✔
30. Flush
tank
every
six-months to prevent sediment build-up. Save $2 per month by extending life of heater and keeping efficiency high Water heater that is maintained will last longer and work more efficiently. And save money Frequent flushing plus a water heater timer could eliminate need for water softener. See steps to flush tank Once sediment accumulates, it cannot be completely removed from gas water heater. Build-up of calcium carbonate reduces heating efficiency, especially in gas water heaters. With electric heater, calcium carbonate can short out bottom element. See steps to clean tank. Read softener research pdf |
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 Efficiency of
electric water heater can be fully restored
Efficiency of gas water heater cannot be restored |
✔ 31. Understand Efficiency, Hard-water, and Water-softener. Storage-type Electric water heaters operate at 99% efficiency with or without water-softener, until sediment reaches bottom element. Full 99% efficiency can be restored to Electric storage heater by cleaning sediment out of tank. See how to clean electric Storage-type gas water heater operates at 69% efficiency. Tankless gas 79%. High-efficiency storage-type gas has 96% efficiency. All gas water heaters lose efficiency when hard water is not softened. Efficiency of gas water heaters cannot be fully restored by cleaning or de-liming. See how to clean gas Hard water must be softened for gas water heater efficiency. However, soft-water is corrosive to anode rod. When water-softener is used, anode rod needs inspection every 2 years. Anode options Read softener research pdf |
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 Rethink
home layout |
✔
32. Re-think
home layout
so hot water usage points are clustered near water heater. Save $5 per month Locate showers and baths next to water heater, while toilets that use no hot water can be farther away. Avoid garden-sized or over-sized bathtubs that require bigger water heater. Kitchen should face south to take advantage of nearby passive solar heater since lunch & dinner occur at times when solar water heat is most abundant. $100,000 small house design that uses .88 cents per day energy Must read |
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 Connect coil to cold water line |
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✔ 34. Install tempering tank located in naturally warm location can preheat water before it flows into cold water side of water heater. Save $2-8 per month Re-purpose old water heater: Use old water heater for tempering tank, don't throw it away. Tempering tank can be old water heater, or coil of copper tubing, or any 20-80 gallon water tank not connected to fuel source. See image Read more Tempering tank is Excellent use for old water heaterAlso use old water heater for passive solar water heater |
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35. Re-purpose
old water heater Recycle the metal Use old tank to make tempering tank Use old tank to make Solar collector |
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 Buy pressure gauges at Amazon Rainbird 200 psi pressure gauge BTG 100 psi pressurte gauge |
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36. Avoid
high water pressure over 80psi Save cost of water heater replacement and plumbing repairs Water pressure: Pressure over 80 psi can damage water heater Read High pressure will also shorten life of plumbing fixtures, and cause washing machine hoses to rupture, etc. Symptoms: TP valve goes bad frequently. Cause: Closed system because of check valve or faulty pressure valve, or community water problem or water well pressure set too high. TP valve problems Connect BTG 100 pressure gauge to water heater drain valve to check pressure. Pressure problems Install pressure reducing valve. Replace check valve. People with water well > turn down pressure on water well > save both hot and cold water, save electricity, and well equipment lasts longer. See pressure gauge. |
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38. Install
gas
water heater 18" off floor to avoid flammable vapors and
flood damage. Save property damage and avoid fire hazard Hydrocarbon vapors from gasoline, fuel and thinners stay low to ground. Raising water heater will prevent flammable vapor ignition, and repairs if water heater goes into lockout. Do not set gas water heater on carpet. Must be on wood or metal surface. Read how to troubleshoot gas water heater Read about flooded water heater |
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 Read more 1 2 3 4 5 Installed on cold water line Expansion tanks at Amazon |
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 Digital controls and
electronic gas controls can fail with surge
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40. Protect
water heater
electronics with surge protector.
Save water heater repair and replacement Many new gas and electric water heaters plug into outlets that are not protected from surge. Gas controls must be replaced after surge event. Many water heaters have blowers and electronics, including digital controls that are not protected from surge. Water heaters are connect to water pipes that are affected when lightning strikes house. Solution: Install whole house surge All electronics should be protected by surge protector. Read water heater manual to see if water heater has electronic parts and would benefit from surge protection. Water heaters that connect to electricity should have dedicated outlet with correct polarity and ground
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41. Exterior
air inlet for gas water heaters: Undetermined savings Conditions where outdoor air supply is needed 1 Sq in per 1000 BTU for air intake. Gas heaters draw air into combustion chamber as gas burns and heat goes up vent pipe. Air enters house through cracks from outside and works against heat and air conditioning. Gas heaters designed for high-output and fast-recovery will draw more air than typical gas heater. Tankless gas heaters also draw more air as they consume large amounts of gas to heat water as it passes in pipe. Lack of sufficient air causes 'recirculation of combustion product' causing CO risk to occupants. Consult product manual. Read Pdf pg4 Ventilating tight-house/ pdf See illustration |
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✔ 42. Protect gas water heater Save water heater repairs and replacement-Avoid dusty environment that will clog air intake, cause unburned fuel, and create fire hazard -Do not install cold water line above gas valve where condensation drips on valve. -Annually clean burner area with wire brush and vacuum cleaner. read1 read2 Troubleshoot and clean gas water heater -Remove chemicals from same room as water heater. -Chemicals corrode water heater parts and vent pipe. 'Spray propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, household bleach, waxes and process chemicals are corrosive at very low levels with no odor." Read Bradford White Pdf pg2-8 Read Rheem pdf |
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44. Slow
heating uses less energy Save $4-20 per month Off-peak water heater ideas Water heaters with high recovery rates and high first-hour delivery use more BTUs per gallon of hot water. Hybrid water heaters, when operated without back-up elements, can save energy, but technology is best suited to warm climate, and consumer should research choices carefully Read. All costs are energy, so small, inexpensive, well-insulated water heater might be better choice than hybrid. Whirlpool Energy Smart electric water heater offers energy choices Read. Do-it-yourselfers can change electric water heater into off-peak water heater, where lower element is turned off to save energy Read. Water heater timers can be wired so they turn off lower element See. Water heater timers can be set so just enough hot water is available when needed Compare timers. |
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✔45.
Heat
pump water heater integrated with refrigerator Real science at work that you can apply. Heat from refrigerator re-used in water heater Modest home has 88 cent energy bill Water heater uses refrigerator heat Low-energy home uses heat pump integrated with heat from kitchen refrigerator pg9 |
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46.
Solar
water heat is efficient use of solar energy. Save $40 per month Tomorrow's homes will have solar water heaters. Use old water heater tank. Start today. Set 2 gallons water in sun to wash dinner dishes. Read long list of ideas Hawaii requires all new homes to have solar water heaters. California offers incentives for solar installation read1. Congressional bill aims for 200,000 rooftop solar water heaters read3 Questions you should ask before buying solar water heating system |
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48. Understand
water heater safety precautions Save property damage and avoid fire Prevent loss and damage Water heater precautions |
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 Larger image Original image: death of a planet '97 |
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49. Understand
greenhouse gas Save the earth Burning hydrocarbon fuel produces acidic water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ozone Breathe this and die. A = B Reduce consumption today using this webpage. Natural gas: 84,470 BTU produces 1 pound of carbon dioxide Propane gas: 62,893 BTU produces 1 pound of carbon dioxide Coal (electricity): 47,780 BTU produces 1 pound of carbon dioxide Electric water heaters produce more carbon : There are more gas water heaters than electric. Carbon from generating electricity is centralized at power plant Gas water heaters, and gas appliances release carbon from vent stack located at each home and business. Carbon footprint calculator Wikipedia Low Nox (nitrous oxide) water heaters Solar water heating ideas |
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✔
50. Save
and read product manual Save $4 per month, save $300-400 repair bill Read everything in manual. Record date of purchase and warranty period Follow maintenance schedule and installation advisories Manual will save money and heater will last longer. 1) Read about anode rods 2) Read about stray current corrosion 3) How to flush water heater 4) Water heater safety precautions 5) Find manual: Water heater manufacturers 6) Warranties |
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