Last Updated on August 31, 2021
It’s no secret that people are always looking for ways to cut costs on their utility bills. In the past, this meant finding new and innovative ways to use less energy while still staying warm in the winter. Today, it has evolved into more of a quest for heating systems that are as eco-friendly as possible. One way homeowners have been cutting back on energy consumption is by switching over from electric water heaters to other options such as solar or geothermal water heaters.Â
Here are four hot water heating trends making their way into homes around the world.Â
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1. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Instead of having a single tank to store hot water, these types of systems use an electric or gas-powered heating element that heats up as needed. The lack of storage means more energy efficiency and less maintenance work, such as replacing rusty pipes and temperature controls.Â
You can install them in your home either as a standalone unit or an add-on to your current water heater. If you already have one, it may be better to install another tankless system instead of replacing the old one if you are experiencing any issues with the plumbing. Tankless systems come in a variety of sizes and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Search for “plumber near me” online to find someone who can install it professionally.Â
2. Solar Panels
In the past, solar panels were only used by people who had an abundant amount of money or a strong commitment to eco-friendly energy options. However, this has changed, and they are now available to anyone at a lower cost than ever before. If you have space on your roof or in your backyard that you can utilize for solar panels, it’s worth looking into them so you can save money on your electric bills.
Solar panels are quickly becoming a reliable and cost-efficient water heating option. You’ll get the added bonus of being able to feed power back into your grid, which can result in credits from your utility company. The average energy savings for solar water heating panels are between 20 and 30 % of the total cost to heat water, which can end up saving you hundreds of dollars a year.
3. Geothermal Water Heaters
Geothermal water heaters have been gaining popularity in recent years. They’re capable of heating a home’s water with only a small amount of power, making them significantly more efficient than traditional electric models. There is also no need to install an expensive ground loop or have your pipes run outside, which can be both costly and difficult for some homeowners.
As the cost of geothermal heating systems continues to decrease, more and more people are choosing this environmentally friendly option for their homes. Geothermal water heaters use a closed-loop system that requires no fossil fuels or other non-renewable energy sources in order to function properly. The pipes circulate only between the ground loop and the home, which is why they can be so efficient.
4. Human Machine Interface (HMI) Panels
The latest water heaters now come with HMI panels to control water heating. They can be programmed with pre-set settings or even tailored for an individual homeowner’s needs. This is done via touchscreen, an app interface, or by voice command. HMI panels provide increased comfort and convenience while decreasing the chance of energy waste due to manual operation on hot water heaters.
CPUs in hot water heaters are also now becoming more prevalent, as they regulate the heater’s temperature and power consumption. This allows for greater control over the energy use of a home while also saving money on heating costs. Aside from HMI panels and CPUs, there may be other features that come with new models, such as LED lighting, power output display, and remote control.
Embrace New Trends to Save Money
Water heating is the second most expensive utility in your home and for good reason. The average family spends about $70 per month on energy bills for their electric or gas water heater. Saving money can be as easy as switching to a new type of water heating system that’s more efficient. Turning to modern on-demand or instantaneous units provides hot water in seconds with no wait time at all.Â