If you are looking into upgrading your home-comfort equipment, your head is probably spinning from all the ratings and features you have to compare. It's a long-term investment and you have to do your homework to get the most for your money. However, we have good news for those of you shopping around for a new water heater.
The energy factor (EF) rating makes it easier than ever for you to compare water heaters. It is a single number that tells you exactly how efficient the model is. Rather than you having to digest and assess three or four different ratings, the EF is straightforward and easy to understand.
It combines these three main qualities for you:
- Recovery efficiency: This is the percentage of the fuel that is converted into heat for the water. Basically, it tells you how efficiently the model produces heating power.
- Standby heat loss: This rating shows how well the water heater retains the heat that is generated. Tanks with poor insulation allow heat to escape as the heated water waits to be used so you have to pay to reheat the water.
- Cycling losses: As the hot water circulates within the system, it has to pass from the inlet pipes through the tank and to the outlet pipes. Cycling losses occur when there are weaknesses in the design, especially at joints or valves, which allow heat to leak out.
It is very convenient to have a single value with which to assess every water heater but it is more than that. The only thing that consumes more energy in your home than your water heating system is your air conditioner. You can realize considerable savings if you choose the right model.
Aside from the EF rating, you need to factor in size, fuel type and other aspects if you truly want to maximize your savings. If you want to make sure you're investing in the perfect water heater for your home, contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. With over 80 years of service to the Route 495/128 area, we have the knowledge to help you save.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Water heater image via Shutterstock
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