Water heaters always seem to fail at the worst of times. When it happens, you’re in cold water — and frantic to get your hot water back. While it’s not the best of times to do an analysis of the many new technology options you might buy, doing so can save you big on your power bill.
Sure, you can just replace it with the old “thermos” style. You might even consider a tankless model because it hangs on the wall freeing up floor space, can be energy efficient and heats water only as you use it. That feature is also a drawback. A family of four needs at least a 50-gallon unit. But tankless models warm water as it passes through the tank, and during high demand periods, the tank can empty faster than it heats the water.
If your water heater is in the garage, a heat pump water heater is likely a better replacement for several reasons. Although they are taller (and sometimes wider) than the standard models, they’re twice as efficient. Some models have a vacation mode, and you can switch it on when you’re away for a week or more and not using hot water.
HPWHs operate just like a normal heat pump. They take in cold air and heat it up, but instead of warming your home, they heat the water in a holding tank. This is why they work well in a garage, even an uninsulated one.
“We’ve used heat pumps for efficient home heating in the Pacific Northwest for decades,” said Matthew Babbitts, Energy Services project manager for Clark Public Utilities. “The technology is well suited for our temperate environment — now it’s being incorporated into water heaters.”
Like heat pumps, HPWHs can run in full electric mode as well. This is why some call them hybrid water heaters. During high-usage times, a homeowner can manually switch a HPWH to its standard electric setting using its LED display. This helps when you have visitors and means no one must postpone showering to wait for hot water.
Cost, however, is a drawback for heat pump and tankless water heaters. Both run several times the price of a standard water heater. Each starts at more than $2,000, not including installation. Those with bigger tank volumes run more.
“True, heat pump water heaters are more expensive than traditional water heaters, but prices are falling and a Clark Public Utilities $300 rebate brings the cost a little closer to what you’d pay for a standard replacement unit,” said Babbitts.
Considering that water heaters use about 15 percent of the energy in your home, Energy Star calculates that HPWH can save a family about $300 a year in energy costs. At that rate, in five to six years the HPWH will pay for itself.
To qualify for the rebate, customers must replace an electric water heater, Babbitts explained. They (or their contractor) can apply for the rebate on any high-efficiency HPWH. Builders erecting new energy efficient homes can also apply for the rebate.
The next generation of HPWHs will be smart with wireless connections giving homeowners options to voluntarily help conserve energy during peak usage times.
“While we’re not there yet in Clark County, these kinds of time-of-use programs can be a win-win by reducing the amount of energy needed during the times of highest demand, and providing customers incentives to be a part of that solution,” said Babbitts. “For now, we encourage customers to research options for appliance replacement before something breaks and it’s an emergency. Investing a bit more up front can help keep utility bills down for many years to come.”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
