Which water heater is most efficient

## Choosing the Most Efficient Water Heater

When it comes to home appliances, water heaters are often overlooked in terms of energy efficiency. However, they can account for a significant portion of your monthly energy bills. Choosing an efficient water heater can save you money and reduce your environmental impact.

### Types of Water Heaters

There are three main types of water heaters:

Conventional: These water heaters have a large storage tank that keeps water hot at all times. They are the most common type of water heater, but they are also the least efficient.
Tankless: Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so they do not waste energy by keeping water hot all the time. They are more efficient than conventional water heaters, but they can be more expensive to purchase and install.
Hybrid: Hybrid water heaters combine the features of conventional and tankless water heaters. They have a small storage tank that keeps a limited supply of hot water on hand, but they also have a tankless heater that can provide additional hot water when needed. Hybrid water heaters are more efficient than conventional water heaters, but they are not as efficient as tankless water heaters.

### Energy Factor

The energy factor (EF) is a measure of how efficient a water heater is. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. EFs range from 0.40 to 0.95. Conventional water heaters typically have EFs of 0.60 to 0.70, while tankless water heaters typically have EFs of 0.80 to 0.95. Hybrid water heaters typically have EFs of 0.70 to 0.85.

### First Hour Rating

The first hour rating (FHR) is a measure of how much hot water a water heater can produce in the first hour. FHRs are expressed in gallons per hour (GPH). The higher the FHR, the more hot water the water heater can produce quickly. Conventional water heaters typically have FHRs of 30 to 60 GPH, while tankless water heaters typically have FHRs of 50 to 100 GPH. Hybrid water heaters typically have FHRs of 40 to 80 GPH.

### Recovery Rate

The recovery rate is a measure of how quickly a water heater can heat water. Recovery rates are expressed in gallons per hour (GPH). The higher the recovery rate, the more quickly the water heater can heat water. Conventional water heaters typically have recovery rates of 20 to 40 GPH, while tankless water heaters typically have recovery rates of 50 to 100 GPH. Hybrid water heaters typically have recovery rates of 30 to 60 GPH.

### Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Needs

The best water heater for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, your hot water usage habits, and the size of your home.

Budget: Conventional water heaters are the most affordable option, while tankless water heaters are the most expensive. Hybrid water heaters fall somewhere in between.

Hot water usage habits: If you have a large family or you use a lot of hot water, you will need a water heater with a high FHR and recovery rate. If you have a small family or you do not use a lot of hot water, you may be able to get by with a water heater with a lower FHR and recovery rate.

Size of your home: The size of your home will determine the size of water heater you need. A larger home will require a larger water heater than a smaller home.

### How to Save Money on Your Water Heating Bills

In addition to choosing an efficient water heater, there are a number of other ways to save money on your water heating bills:

Insulate your water heater: Insulating your water heater can help to reduce heat loss and save energy.
Lower the temperature of your water heater: The ideal temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature of your water heater can save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Take shorter showers: Shorter showers can help to reduce hot water usage and save energy.
Fix leaks: Leaks in your water heater or plumbing can waste water and energy. Fixing leaks can help to save money on your water heating bills.