focus on energy - The power is within you.
Home    About Us    Calendar    Contact Us    Evaluation Reports    Site Map   Search: 
Residential Programs Business Programs Renewable Energy Financial Incentives and Cash-Back Rewards Education and Research Programs Information Center Find Products/Services Verify Eligibility
 

Residential Overview


Apartments & Condos

Building a New Home

Home Improvement

Electronics

Appliances

Lighting

Efficient Heating & Cooling

Assistance Programs

Partners

Renewable Energy



Printable Version



Water Heaters


|    Clothes Washers   |    Refrigerators & Freezers   |    Dishwashers   |    Room Air Conditioners   |
|    Dehumidifiers   |    Other appliances   |    Water Heaters   |

In just twenty years, the average single-family household in Wisconsin spends nearly $8,000, simply to heat water. Water that's used for taking showers and baths, and washing dishes and clothes.

High efficiency water heaters use up to 50 percent less energy. That means they can cut your water heating costs in half. (Energy savings from high efficiency water heaters depend on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.)

Know your options.
There are many types of water heaters available. A few of these are listed below:
  • STORAGE (TANK)
    This is the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today, it keeps water hot and ready for use in an insulated tank. New energy efficient models contain higher levels of insulation around the tank, substantially reducing standby heat loss. When looking for a new model, Focus recommends an energy factor of 0.64 or higher for natural gas units and 0.93 or higher for electric units.
  • DEMAND (TANKLESS/INSTANTANEOUS)
    This type of water heater provides hot water on demand by circulating it through a coil heated with gas or electric elements. The energy consumption of these units may be lower, since standby losses from the storage tank are eliminated. When looking for a new model, Focus recommends an energy factor of 0.80 or higher.
  • CONDENSING STORAGE (TANK)
    These are similar to gas storage tank units, except that their elaborate heat exchangers extract more heat from combustion gases. This type of water heater is found more often in commercial applications.
  • INDIRECT WATER HEATERS
    This type of water heater uses the home's boiler or furnace as the heat source. When used with a new, high-efficiency boiler or furnace, an indirect unit is usually the least expensive way to heat water.
  • SOLAR
    This type of unit harnesses the sun's energy to heat water. A solar unit can save 40 to 70 percent per year on hot water costs in Wisconsin. For more information, visit our literature page on solar.
Start saving today
Focus on Energy is offering the Cash-Back Rewards on your purchase of a qualifying energy efficient water heater. For more information, visit our Cash-Back Rewards page.

Use our retailer search to find retailers participating in the program.

Eligibility
You must be a customer of a participating utility in order to qualify for Reward. See list.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Focus on Energy recommends you schedule a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR energy evaluation to assess the efficiency and safety of your home. This comprehensive evaluation consists of an inspection of most systems in the home including ventilation capacity, heating and cooling equipment, air infiltration and insulation levels. Once the evaluation is complete, you receive a report that identifies problems and recommends solutions and you may even qualify for Cash-Back Rewards if you make the suggested improvements. Click here for more information about the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.
© 2007-2008 Wisconsin Focus on Energy. All rights reserved.