Keeping Hot Water Hot

It may surprise you to find out that in the average Canadian home, the second largest use of energy is heating water. Typically, the only activity that uses more energy is the heating and cooling of the house itself. As a result, water heating provides a significant energy conservation and money savings potential.

First, to understand where energy is used in the water heating process. There are two activities that use significant amounts of energy: one, in the heating of the water when it arrives at the house; and two, in the storage of the hot water so that it can be readily available for your morning shower.

With this process in mind, it then becomes logical that if the water can be preheated before entering the house and/or the water be stored in a more efficient manner, then significant savings could be realized. There are a couple of ways to make this happen, some more involved then others.

Assuming you have a water tank, insulate both the tank and any accessible pipes carrying the hot water to the rest of the house. At almost any hardware store you can find pipe insulation as well as water tank 'blankets'. These items are inexpensive and very easy to install.

For the more adventuresome, consider the age and type of water heater and tank you have. If the tank is old, then not only is it likely to be working inefficiently, but the technology is also dated. It is worth doing some research to determine what type of tank might make the most sense for you. The options include: electric heaters and tanks; gas heaters and tanks; and the 'new kid on the block 'tankless water heaters'.

Tankless water heaters, also called 'instant' or 'on-demand' water heaters rapidly heat the water as arrives at the house. As a result, no storage tank is needed and there is an 'unlimited' supply of hot water.

Another option to consider is preheating the water through a solar panel system. This system works by capturing passive solar energy and then using it to heat the water as it enters a standard water tank. For larger water applications, a second, solar powered storage tank can also be added which maintains preheated water.

For more information about these possibilities check out the Water Heater section of Eco Building Options.