Many homeowners wait until their water heater fails before shopping for a replace- ment. Because they are in a hurry to regain their hot water supply, they are often unable to take the time to shop for the most energy-efficient unit for their specific needs. This is unfortunate, because the cost of purchasing and operating a water heater can vary greatly, depending on the type, brand, and model selected and on the quality of the installation. To avoid this scenario, you might want to do some research now—before you are faced with an emergency purchase. Famil- iarize yourself today with the options that will allow you to make an informed deci- sion when the need to buy a new water heater arises.Types of Water Heaters AvailableWithin the last few years, a variety of water heaters have become available to consumers. The following types of water heaters are now on the market: conven- tional storage, demand, heat pump, tank- less coil, indirect, and solar. It is also possible to purchase water heaters that can be connected to your home’s space- heating system.Storage Water HeatersA variety of fuel options are available for conventional storage water heaters—elec- tricity, natural gas, oil, and propane. Rang- ing in size from 20 to 80 gallons (75.7 to 302.8 liters), storage water heaters remain the most popular type for residential heat-ing needs in the United States. A storage heater operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when the hot water tap is turned on. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the tank is always full.Selecting a New Water HeaterENERGY EFFICIENCYANDRENEWABLE ENERGYStorage Water HeaterPressure/ temperature relief valveThermostat and gas valveHot water outletVent pipe Cold water inletFlue tube/ heat exchanger Flue baffleInsulationCombustion air openingsAnode rodGas burnerStorage water heaters remain the most frequently used type of water heater for residential purposes.This document was produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a DOE national laboratory. The document was produced by the Technical Information Program, under the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) is operated by NCI Information Systems, Inc., for NREL/DOE. The statements contained herein are based on information known to EREC and NREL at the time of printing. No recommendation or endorsement of any product or service is implied if mentioned by EREC.DOE/GO-10095-064 FS 205 January 1995
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
