Hot water from a tap, cool air at our fingertips, we are so lucky, we can have what we want when we want it. But the costs can skyrocket if you?re not using the newest, most efficient tools available. Want to bring those costs down? Just a few repairs or replacements can do the trick.
The Hot?
In the average home’s energy budget, 30% goes to heating water, because old fashioned water heaters can eat up as much as 30% of your home?s entire energy budget. But new, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters, in homes that use an average of 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.
Most tankless water heaters last for more than 20 years, while those old furnaces typically have an average lifespan of 15 to 18 years. Generally, when furnaces reach 10 years old, it is in your best interest to have them annually inspected. You will have need of a plumber, who will check your old furnace, and answer any questions you may have regarding furnace repair or replacement.
Not only will a new water heater lower your utility bill, that hot water is going to get to you faster; no more waiting for the shower to get hot, because, per minute, generally, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of anywhere from two to five gallons.
The Cool?
The other cost driving bills up is cooling. Air conditioning units are in two-thirds of homes in the U.S., and cost homeowners more than $11 billion yearly. To keep your air conditioner running efficiently, give it a regular maintenance check. You will have need of a plumber, but to reduce energy use for air conditioning by 20% to 50%, switch to high efficiency air conditioners and take other actions that will keep your home cool (keep lights out during the day, plant trees that can cut the sun?s heat naturally, etcetera).
So, you can stay cooler in the summer and cut the costs. Get your hot water faster, from a longer lasting water heating system, and cut the costs. There may be some upfront money spent, if you have need of a plumber, but the savings overall with be worth it. Plus, as a bonus, any work you do to your home only adds to its value. So what are you waiting for, get that water hotter before the temperatures outside get colder.