Install a tankless or solar water heater to save energy costs and reduce reliance on electricity or natural gas.

Heating water takes up to 25% of the energy needed in a home, and, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, is the second largest energy expense in U.S. households.

How can you get the hot water you need, while using fewer natural resources?

Tankless water heaters

PSNC Energy in North Carolina offers residents tankless water heaters.  While not solar, these do use less energy than traditional water heaters, because they only heat water as needed.   They have an approved vendor, Rinnai, which advertises savings up to 70% off normal water heating bill compared to electric water heaters. Savings are a little lower versus gas water heaters.  If bought in 2007, homeowners can get a tax credit up to $300.  This is a very small system, only 24" tall by 16" wide, taking less space than a standard 7 foot tall and 2 foot wide water heater.

When hot water is turned on, a gas burner system is activated, incoming water has its temperature taken, and water is efficiently heated to the desired temperature.   Other water heaters heat and reheat the same water until it is used, and require a much larger tank to hold all that water.  All Rinnai Continuum systems have a 10 year limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 5 year warranty on the remainder of the parts.

With a price tag of about $1200, plus installation, the Rinnai tankless water heater can add some upfront costs, but may be worth the long term energy savings - while reducing reliance on other energy sources.   The Rinnai Continuum heater is available from most Raleigh area plumbing subcontractors, as well as the Apex, Raleigh, and Durham PSNC Energy locations.   

There are several other kinds of tankless water heaters on the market as well - including:

The Noritz N-063S, which includes a remote control with digital display to control water temperature.  MSRP of $999, flow rate of up to 6.7 gallons per minute (gpm).   Available from at least a dozen Raleigh area plumbing contractors, you can find a complete list of local Triangle contractors at http://www.noritz.com/.

Bosch's AquaStar 2400E NG Model, suggested retail price $999.  Available at Raleigh area Lowe's hardware stores. Flow rate up to 6.4 gpm.  Twelve year limited warranty on heat exchanger. http://www.boschhotwater.com/

Unless you're installing yourself, add installation costs - you may want to get quotes from more than one Triangle contractor. 

Solar systems in combination with traditional water heaters

The other major way to save energy while heating water is to use a solar system in combination with a traditional water heater.   Solar systems, by definition, work when the sun is out.  They can't heat water at night, so a back-up system is required.

There are two basic types.  A direct circulation system, also called open loop, uses pumps which circulate household water through collectors and back into the home.  This system is common in warmer climates - in freezing temperatures, the system must be turned off and water removed from the lines.  For colder climates, an indirect circulation system, also called closed loop, works well.  In this system, pumps circulate a heat transfer fluid, which can't freeze, through the collectors and into the heat exchanger, which then heats the water that goes into the home. 

Then there are also two types of heaters.  Active solar water heaters require an electric pump to move the water from the home to the panels to be heated, then back again.  Passive solar water heaters use gravity and temperature to move the water around.  While requiring less overall energy and maintenance, this system requires a water tank to be installed either on the roof or in the attic. 

Online water heater resource

There's a great online resource to help see if a solar water heater is cost effective for you.  Go to http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme.  You can give specific information as to what state, county and even city you live in, what type of water heater you currently have, and what power company you use.  The cost calculator factors all kinds of details, including state and federal tax credits.

Based on an average cost across several varieties and manufacturers, the smallest system with installation and training fees comes to $3500, but after various tax credits, estimated net cost according to FindSolar is about $1600.  They estimate this system will provide enough hot water in the local Triangle climate for a family of 4.  For a family of 5-6, two solar panels are recommended, and initial cost estimates increase to $5350, or about $3000 after various tax credits. 

Greenhouse gas reductions

You may have heard companies talking about reducing greenhouse gases.  A two-panel system, providing hot water for 5-6 people, will reduce greenhouse gases by an estimated 57 tons over the 15 year life of the system, or the equivalent of 114,000 less automobile miles.  A one-panel system will save an impressive 29 tons and 58,000 automobile miles. 

Local contractors

You can find local installers at http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=findacontractor - just enter Wake County to get a list of local contractors, contact information, and number of solar water heaters they have installed. 

Long-term value

Compared to a standard water heater tank cost of about $300-400, it can be expensive up front to switch to a solar or tankless system.  But if you're interested in reducing long term energy costs, as well as energy consumption, consider installing one of these systems. And if you're looking at homes for sale, talk to your local custom builder about incorporating a system into your new home. 

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

 Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?              

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas