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People use warm water for everything from scrubbing dishes to relaxing in the bath, so water heaters are one of the biggest energy draws in a home.
But with the latest technology, you can get hot water while saving on your utility bills.
Wesley Whited of DNV, a global consulting firm, says new electric heat pump water heaters operate more efficiently than standard electric resistance models.
Whited: “They’re removing heat from the air and transferring it into the water instead of directly heating an element, which is the way we’ve historically always heated our hot water.”
He says they’re most attractive to people who live in the Pacific Northwest and California, where hot water is already typically heated with electricity instead of natural gas.
Whited: “It’s a lot easier when you already have an electric resistance water heater to move to a heat pump water heater because you have the circuiting in place.”
The devices do have a higher up-front cost. But there are often rebates and incentives available for buyers. And homeowners can expect to save money over time.
According to the EPA, switching to a heat pump water heater that is Energy Star certified can save a family of four more than $500 each year.
And by reducing your home’s energy use, you’ll help the climate, too.
Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media
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