There are three main factors that go into a water heater’s energy factor:
- Recovery efficiency: This describes how efficiently the water heater is able to transfer heat from its heat source to the water. ...
- Standby losses: In storage tank water heaters, energy is used to keep the water in the tank hot when it’s not in use. ...
- Cycling losses: Water loses heat as it travels through a water heater’s tank and pipes. ...
Which type of the water heater is the most energy efficient?
What Type Of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?
- Standard Water Heaters. Also known as conventional water heaters, these appliances are popular among homeowners. ...
- Tankless Water Heaters. Tankless water heaters are also known as "demand heaters" because of their instantaneous function. ...
- Heat Pump Water Heaters. ...
- Solar Water Heaters. ...
- Condensing Water Heaters. ...
- Contact Us. ...
How to save energy with your water heater?
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Find the current temperature. Measure the beginning temperature of your hot water using a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater.
- Mark the setting, then turn down the thermostat. Mark the beginning temperature on your water heater thermostat with a marker, and then turn the thermostat down.
- Measure and adjust. ...
- Mark the new temperature. ...
Do you need an energy efficient water heater?
To provide your household with adequate hot water and maximize efficiency, you need a properly sized water heater. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on sizing. Energy efficiency. To maximize energy and cost savings, check the energy efficiency of a water heater before you purchase it.
What is the thermal efficiency of a water heater?
In a conventional gas storage water heater, less than 50% of the fuel energy reaches the point of use. New efficient water heaters can help reduce this excess heat loss. The minimum efficiency of electric resistance storage water heaters is about 0.90 (depending on tank volume), and the best available are 0.95 EF.
What is a good uniform energy factor for water heater?
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating In general, ENERGY STAR certified conventional gas and electric water heaters have UEF ratings between 0.65 and 0.95 — or 65 to 95 cents on the dollar — while hybrid electric heat pump water heaters have much higher UEF ratings of 2.75 to 3.5.
What is a good energy rating for a hot water heater?
Look for the “thermal efficiency” rating rather than EF, with values of 0.90 and above. The minimum efficiency of electric resistance storage water heaters is about 0.90 (depending on tank volume), and the best available are 0.95 EF.
How do I find the UEF on my water heater?
To find your water heater's UEF rating, go to the My Water Heater Information page and enter your model or serial number. If you need help finding them, there are instructions there as well. Once you enter your water heater's model number, you'll find the manuals and documentation for your heater.
Is Energy Factor same as thermal efficiency?
Generally, the EF number represents the thermal efficiency of the water heater as a percentage, since it is an average of the ratio of the theoretical heat required to raise the temperature of water drawn to the amount of energy actually consumed by the water heater.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the WorldA.O. Smith. ... Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ... Kenmore. ... Bradford White. ... American Standard. ... American Water Heaters. ... Bosch. ... EcoSmart.More items...
What should I look for when buying a water heater?
5 Things you Need to Know Before Buying a Water HeaterFuel Source. The most common residential water heaters run with gas or electricity as their fuel source. ... Energy Efficiency. No matter which fuel source you choose, a water heater can be the third largest energy consumer in your home. ... Storage Capacity. ... Space Required.
Is a higher or lower UEF better?
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): The newest measure of water heater overall efficiency. The higher the UEF value is, the more efficient the water heater.
Is a high efficiency water heater worth it?
High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their utility bills. Actual energy savings from high efficiency water heaters depend on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.
What is the difference between UEF and EF?
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the DOE's newly developed metric for communicating the energy efficiency of water heaters. Previously, you may have seen efficiency measured by Energy Factor (EF). UEF replaces this metric.
How much money will a new water heater save?
If you are thinking about replacing your water heater, there are many different options available to you, including tankless water heating. By only heating water when you require it, tankless water heater can save you $70-$80 per year, which adds up over its 20+ year lifespan.
What is the UEF on Bradford White water heater?
Uniform Energy Factor or UEF is the standard measure of a water heater's overall efficiency. Basically, the higher the UEF rating, the more efficient the water heater. (The former measurement EF is no longer used and cannot be directly compared to UEF. It's not apples to apples).
How much more efficient are new water heaters?
As the result of recently updated efficiency standards, water heaters less than 55 gallons now have a 4 percent boost in efficiency and water heaters 55 gallons or more have efficiency gains of 25 to 50 percent, depending on the technology used—heat pump or condensing.
Do water heaters have ENERGY STAR ratings?
Water heaters use about 20% of a home's energy. An important element of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade is a heat pump water heater that earns the ENERGY STAR label, which is up to 4 times more efficient and uses 70 percent less energy than a standard model.
Is a high efficiency water heater worth it?
High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their utility bills. Actual energy savings from high efficiency water heaters depend on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.
How do I know if my water heater is energy efficient?
A water heater's energy efficiency is determined by the energy factor (EF), which is based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the water heater.
Can gas water heaters be ENERGY STAR rated?
Find Product Efficiency Requirements Manufacturers meeting these requirements are allowed to display the ENERGY STAR label on complying models. Federal buyers can use ENERGY STAR's list of certified residential gas storage water heaters to identify or verify complying models.
Are All Water Heaters Going Through This Change?
All residential water heaters sold in the U.S. must comply with this new approach. Commercial water heaters are subject to different rules and regu...
How Will This Affect The Water Heater’S Performance?
Our water heaters will remain as efficient and reliable as ever. Our water heater’s delivery capacity has not changed. The DOE’s new test procedure...
Will Water Heater Sizes Or Dimensions Change?
No. Our water heaters will still be available in the same sizes. The only thing that is changing is the way manufacturers communicate water heater...
WHAT IS ENERGY FACTOR FOR A WATER HEATER?
Energy Factor or EF is the measure of the energy efficiency of your water heater. It is calculated by dividing the amount of energy the water heater uses by the total energy that goes into running the water heater.
DOES A HIGHER WATER HEATER ENERGY FACTOR MEAN IT IS BETTER?
The energy factors will vary depending on the fuel source, design of the burner, tank insulation and other features. Electric water heaters with an energy efficiency between 0.67 or higher are qualified for the Energy Star label, while gas heaters with EF higher than 0.8 can get an Energy Star label. Gas water heaters typically have energy factors between 0.5 and 0.7, and for electric models, it is between 0.75 and 0.95.
What is the energy factor of a 40 gallon water heater?
A standard efficiency 40-gallon gas water heater typically has an Energy Factor of about .55, due to inefficiencies of combustion, a central flue carrying heat away with combustion exhaust, and a continuous gas pilot light, as well as standby losses through insulation and thermo-siphoning. We recommend gas water heaters with an Energy Factor of .62 or greater. This represents a 10 percent savings compared to a standard efficiency gas water heater. In addition to reducing standby losses with added insulation and anti-thermo-siphon device (heat traps), these improved efficiencies can be achieved for very little added cost by using electronic ignition instead of a pilot light, having automatic draft dampers, and reducing losses out the flue by recovering more of the heat first.
What does EF mean in water heaters?
The energy factor (EF) indicates a water heater's overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. This includes the following: Water heaters listed in the energy factor ...
How many gallons of water can a gas water heater hold?
Gas storage water heaters with energy input ratings of 75,000 BTU/Hr. or less and with a storage capacity of not less than 20 gallons nor more than 100 gallons
What is the foremost indicator when buying a new water heater?
When you start shopping for a replacement water heater, your foremost indicator in selecting a new water heater is the Energy Factor (EF).
What is the energy guide?
The Energy Guide can be a valuable tool. It compares the average yearly operating costs of different water heaters, using the same criteria for all models tested. It lets you see which one would probably cost you less to run. The higher the energy factor, the better.
Does a higher energy factor cost more?
A unit with a higher energy factor may cost more initially, but the energy savings may more than make up for the higher sticker price. Consider the price difference and how long it would take to recover the money through energy savings.
Is electric water heater better than gas?
Does that mean that electric water heaters are more efficient? Yes, electric models do make better use of energy, since gas water heaters lose some of their energy up the vent. But since electrical energy usually costs three times more than gas , it's still cheaper to use natural gas, if you have a choice.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE WATER HEATER’S PERFORMANCE?
Our water heaters will remain as efficient and reliable as ever. Our water heater’s delivery capacity has not changed. The DOE’s new test procedure and metric, however, will change the way that we talk about it. The amount of hot water the unit can provide in one hour of operation starting with a tank full of heated water is called First Hour Rating. In most cases, the First Hour Rating is a larger number under the new test procedures. This does not mean the water heater is providing more hot water than before. Do not substitute the new First Hour Ratings when selecting water heaters based on the requirements of the old First Hour Ratings.
How is a water heater UEF determined?
UEF ratings are determined by assigning water heaters into one of four different categories of hot water usage and then evaluating their performance based on that usage. These categories are called bins. A water heater is assigned a UEF within its bin based upon its first hour rating. A higher UEF means a water heater is more energy efficient and will cost less to operate compared to other water heaters in the same bin. A water heater’s UEF can only be compared with water heaters within the same bin. For example a high bin water heater with a UEF of 0.95 does not perform exactly the same as that of a low bin water heater with a UEF of 0.95.
What does the Department of Energy do?
The Department of Energy implements energy conservation standards and test procedures for many appliances and equipment that we use every day , like water heaters, refrigerators, air conditioners, clothes dryers, lighting, and more.
ARE ALL WATER HEATERS GOING THROUGH THIS CHANGE?
All residential water heaters sold in the U.S. must comply with this new approach. Commercial water heaters are subject to different rules and regulations and are not changing at this time.
What Energy Efficiency Rating Factors Have Changed?
The new UEF standard affects more than just the efficiency number itself. Adjustments in new DOE testing procedures now impact water heating performance stats associated with the amount of hot water produced in a real-world situation to the length of typical showers.
When did the EF rating change?
Beginning, June 12, 2017, EF ratings will be replaced with the new industry standard for measuring energy efficiency in water heaters called, Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). The new UEF rating method improves the industry’s ability to:
Do water heater ratings change?
You may notice new numbers associated with the water heaters you’re considering. The water heaters themselves haven’t changed, but the way we calculate the ratings and other facts and figures associated with them is different.
What is the EF rating for a water heater?
In EF rating, the manufacturer could have hidden the actual capacity of the water heater tank using the gallon grouping technique. For instance, if a water heater had an actual capacity of 37 gallons, a manufacturer could have rounded off the figure to 40 gallons. With UEF, the DOE has made it tough to do. Even though a manufacturer can advertise using the rounded-off figure, it has to disclose the actual storage capacity on the specifications page. More importantly, because the rating is based on a more accurate figure, your estimates would also be closer to real life.
What are the concerns when purchasing an electric water heater?
High energy consumption is one of the significant concerns people have while purchasing an electric water heater.
What Is Uniform Energy Factor?
Uniform Energy Factor, better known as UEF, is a metric developed by the Department of Energy, the United States of India.
How Is UEF Rating Calculated?
As you have seen, UEF rating is an essential thing in water heaters, regardless of the type of energy they use. Tankless, tank-type, and hybrid water heaters would also have this rating as long as they are made for residential use.
What happens if a water heater has a high UEF rating?
If the water heater model has a high UEF rating, the estimated energy cost savings will also be increased. There could be some impact on the heating performance of the water heater model as well.
What is the GPM of a tankless water heater?
Low: This bin contains tank-type water heaters with a first-hour rating between 18 to 51 gallons and tankless water heaters with a max GPM between 1.7 to 2.8
Why are EF ratings unreliable?
We must note that EF test methods did not pay much attention to the draw patterns of different models. It was one of the reasons why the EF ratings were quite unreliable at times.
What is the energy factor of a water heater?
Energy Factor (EF): An older measure of water heater overall efficiency that is being phased out due to new test methods for water heaters. The higher the EF value is, the more efficient the water heater. EF is determined by the Department of Energy’s test method outlined in the 10 CFR parts 200 to 499 edition revised as of January 1, 2014.
How to determine if a water heater is ENERGY STAR?
A water heater can be certified as ENERGY STAR by meeting Energy Factor (EF), Standby Loss, and/or Thermal Efficiency criteria or by meeting Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) criteria. Although these performance metrics are different, certification as ENERGY STAR by either method requires equivalent efficiency. Consumers should not directly compare EF values to UEF values.
How many BTU per hour for a gas water heater?
Storage type units designed to heat and store water at a thermostatically controlled temperature, including: gas storage water heaters with a nominal input of 75,000 British thermal units (Btu) per hour or less, containing more than one gallon of water per 4,000 Btu per hour of input; electric heat pump water heaters with a maximum current rating of 24 amperes at an input voltage 250 volts or less. 1
What is solar water heater?
Solar Water Heaters. Solar water heaters include a collector and storage tank, and use the sun’s energy to heat water using one of the five basic types of solar water heating systems: forced circulation (includes both direct and indirect systems), integrated collector and storage, thermosiphon, self-pumped, or. photovoltaic (PV).
What is solar energy factor?
Solar Energy Factor (SEF): The energy delivered by the total system divided by the electrical or gas energy put into the system.
Do water heaters have to be Energy Star?
A water heater model must meet all of the identified criteria to be labeled as ENERGY STAR. Water heaters that meet the criteria identified in this section are not required to meet Energy Factor, Thermal Efficiency, or Standby Loss criteria.
