Tired of High Energy Bills? Save Money on Water Heaters in Vermont

As energy costs continue to rise, it is important for residents of Vermont to understand how hot water heaters affect your energy bill. 

Plumbers 911 Vermont has a few tips about water heater systems and how they may help lower your energy costs.

Types of Water Heaters Commonly Use In Vermont

There are essentially two types of water heaters — storage and tankless. To prioritize how to best save money and create a more energy efficient home, it is helpful to understand the difference:

• A storage water heater uses a storage tank and instantly delivers hot water.
• A tankless water heater heats water as it flows to a faucet or appliance. 

In Vermont, water heaters – no matter the type – are powered by either natural gas, propane, electricity, wood or solar power.

Plumbers 911 Vermont can connect you with a highly skilled and trusted plumbing contractor near you. They can give advice on what may work best for your situation and can expertly install or maintain your water heater.

The pros and cons of different water heater options

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of water heater. A 2019 Consumer Report article suggests tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than hot water tanks.

However, the upfront cost of a tankless system is much greater than that of a storage tank system. The cost associated can include the labor, the new system, retrofitting, pipe work and much more. The cost becomes even higher when the improvement is made following an emergency.

While a hot water tank is cheaper to install than a tankless heater, it will cost more to operate. This is due to the continual need to heat the water inside the tank in order to keep it hot for when it will be used. 

Alternative water heaters choices

As industry technology improves, other types of water heaters have been developed, such as heat pump water heaters. These water heaters are more energy efficient and can save you money at a lower price point. 

A heat pump water heater works in conjunction with a storage water heater, but controls when water is heated. Traditional storage water heaters create energy to heat water. Heat pump water heaters work like home heat pumps. They take the excess heat from the surrounding area and transfer it to the tank, cutting energy costs.

There is plenty of information to help make these decisions. When you are ready, call Plumbers 911 Vermont to be connected with a trusted, bonded contractor, who can answer any additional questions you may have.