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To protect the health of our staff and our customers, Efficiency Vermont offices are closed to the public. In the meantime, our customer support team is available to help you remotely. Contact us at (888) 921-5990 or info@efficiencyvermont.com.
We have cautiously begun scheduling project related site visits when required. You can find more information on our safety protocols here.
Water Heating
Water heating is a home’s second-highest energy cost, so making sound choices now can lead to big savings later.
Water heating can consume up to 20% of your energy budget, but there are low- and no-cost ways to save before purchasing a new water heater. Install low-flow faucets and shower heads to reduce water usage. Turn down the temperature of your tank. Insulate your heater tank and surrounding pipes. And consider buying an ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher or clothes washer. Most effective of all, when you do shop for a new water heater, choose the most efficient model within your budget.
Types of Water Heaters
You'll find two basic types of water heaters: storage and tankless. There are a wide variety of storage systems on the market, from heat pump products to solar thermal systems. On-demand (or instantaneous) units generate hot water on an as-needed basis. This is the most efficient tankless option, avoiding heat loss associated with hot water tanks. Geothermal or ground-source heat pumps and solar hot water heaters are the most efficient of all (but quite expensive). Electric heat pump water heaters typically offer the best balance of up-front cost, ease of installation, and savings over time.
- Lower your water heating expenses by up to 50% or more
- Models with a high energy factor save the most over time
- Factor in installation costs when comparing systems