With energy costs being what they are, and more and more homeowners “going green,” energy efficiency seems to be a bigger issue by the day. That is precisely why so many people are inquiring about factors like standby energy loss when shopping for appliances. This particular term has to do with tank water heaters, and we’re happy to help you understand it better.
What Is It, and Why Should I Care?
Standby energy loss occurs when the heat in the water within a hot water tank transfers out through that tank and into the air surrounding it. As you probably know, heat is always going to try and move from a warmer are to a cooler one. It is just the natural order of things.
Now, standby energy is a much, much smaller concern than it used to be. Modern hot water tanks are more efficient than ever before, and really do a great job of limiting this heat transfer. Plus, insulating materials are available to further impede the unwanted transfer of heat. Still, some homeowners aiming for truly exceptional efficiency want to eliminate standby energy loss entire, and they can. You just need to eliminate the need for a tank.
That is where tankless water heaters come into play. When you use a tankless water heater, you heat only the water that you need, and only as you need it. By eliminating the need to store hot water, opting for “on-demand” water heating instead, you can heat water with greater efficiency.
Tankless water heaters are definitely more expensive than tank water heaters. They also last longer, though, generally more than 20 years. Over time, the efficiency level can help you to offset this initially higher cost.
Contact G & S Heating Cooling & Electric to schedule water heater services in Everett, WA.
