Energy efficiency is an important factor in most household appliances, including water heaters. The Energy Star Program is a voluntary program launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that aims to promote energy-efficient appliances to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy costs for consumers. Energy Star-qualified water heaters offer significant energy savings and have become a popular option for homeowners looking to upgrade their old and inefficient water heating systems.
How Does Energy Star Rating Work?
The Energy Star rating system is designed to help consumers identify energy-efficient products that meet established efficiency standards. Energy-efficient appliances are rated on their performance in terms of energy consumption, energy efficiency ratio (EER), and energy factor (EF).
To get the Energy Star label, water heaters must meet specific criteria and performance standards that are determined by the EPA. These standards ensure that Energy Star-qualified water heaters are at least 10% more efficient than standard models.
Types of Energy Star-Qualified Water Heaters
There are several types of Energy Star-qualified water heaters available on the market, including:
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are a highly energy-efficient type of water heater that uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground to heat water. Heat pumps are up to two times more efficient than conventional electric water heaters and can save up to $3,500 in energy costs over the life of the unit.
Gas Storage Water Heaters
Gas storage water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water and store it in a tank until it is needed. Energy Star-qualified gas storage water heaters are up to 30% more efficient than standard models, and they can help save $60 to $100 per year on energy bills.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water only when it is needed, and do not store any water in a tank. Energy Star-qualified tankless water heaters are up to 30% more efficient than standard models and can save up to $100 per year on energy bills.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat water and can be either active or passive. Active solar water heaters circulate water through solar collectors on the roof of a home to heat the water, while passive solar water heaters rely on gravity and convection to circulate the water. Energy Star-qualified solar water heaters are up to 40% more efficient than standard models and can save up to $380 per year on energy bills.
Top Energy Star-Qualified Water Heater Brands
Several brands offer Energy Star-qualified water heaters, including:
Rheem Performance Platinum
Rheem Performance Platinum is a line of Energy Star-qualified gas storage water heaters that are designed for high-efficiency and performance. These water heaters have an energy factor of up to 0.70 and can provide up to 86 gallons of hot water per hour.
AO Smith Vertex
AO Smith Vertex is a line of Energy Star-qualified gas storage water heaters that have a 96% thermal efficiency rating. These water heaters come with a primary and secondary heat exchanger that maximizes heat transfer, resulting in lower energy costs.
GE GeoSpring
GE GeoSpring is a line of Energy Star-qualified heat pump water heaters that are designed to be up to 70% more efficient than standard electric water heaters. These water heaters are equipped with advanced features like electronic controls, touch screen displays, and WiFi connectivity.
Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus
Stiebel Eltron Tempra Plus is a line of Energy Star-qualified tankless water heaters that are designed for high efficiency and performance. These water heaters can be wall-mounted and come with advanced features like temperature control, digital displays, and flow sensors.
Conclusion
Energy Star-qualified water heaters not only save energy costs but also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. With the types and brands available on the market, homeowners can choose the best water heater to suit their needs and preference. By upgrading to an Energy Star-qualified water heater, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency and savings for years to come.