Choosing An Energy Efficient
Water Heater

Most water heaters have a lifespan of between ten and 15 years and they are often not replaced until it's an emergency. It's unlikely that we remember to think of energy efficiency when we're worried about being cold. Instead of waiting till the last minute, it's good to think about getting an energy efficient water heater now. Here are some of the considerations.

For improved water heater energy efficiency, one issue to think about is the size of the tank (if you choose a heater with a tank). A tank with a capacity of about 180 litres should be enough for a four-person family.

More important is the ability of the water heater to meet peak demands, known as the first hour rating (FHR). New hot water heaters contain this information on a label. The higher the FHR, the lower the tank capacity needed.

Another key measure of efficiency is the energy factor (EF). The higher this is, the more energy efficient the water heater is. The energy factor takes into account how much heat stored water loses per hour (known as standby loss), heat loss as the water moves through the pipes (known as cycling loss) and how efficiently the heat source hears the water (known as recovery efficiency.) If you choose an electric storage water heater, look for the difference in standby loss between different models as this can save you money over the course of a year. Electric pump water heaters are twice as efficient as storage heaters.

Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous gas water heaters, without a pilot light, have a high energy factor compared with electric storage water heaters. A tankless water heater is energy efficient, and it could save you about $100 a year. This type of heater is widely used in Canada.

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