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vitaminJ
Apr 21st, 2009, 10:06 PM
I’ve discovered I have an el cheapo water heater and would like to upgrade to one that does not leak so much energy.

mine looks like this http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/8/KitchenBath/Plumbing/WaterHeaters/PRD~0630193P/Top%2BEntry%2B40%2BIG%2B%2528184%2BL%2529%2BElectr ic%2BHeater%252C%2B3000%2BW.jsp
better one (currently wrong pic and specs are screwed up) $539
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/8/KitchenBath/Plumbing/WaterHeaters/PRD~0630101P/Moffat%2BTop-entry%2BElectrical%2BEle%2B12%2BWater%2BHeater%252 C%2B40G%2B%2528184L%2529.jsp

They are similar except 1/2” insulation/1 liner/6 year warranty vs 2” insulation/2 liners/12 year warranty. (Newfoundland gets hosed on the warranty which is halved in both cases)

Anyone know of a straightforward chart comparing all the different kinds of water heaters, percent savings etc? I estimate (hope for) a 30% savings, and would like to confirm or learn better before spending money. This year’s electric bill should be about $1100, of which I estimate 55% is the water heater – $605 for hot water, so 30% would be ~$181 saved per year, = 3 year payback time. Anyone know how close this is?

Exotic units (tankless, compression, heat pump) seem to be around $2000-3000 all in, and are probably beyond my budget, even with a rebate or two… but haven’t absolutely ruled them out.

Any advice appreciated!
DrXenon
Apr 22nd, 2009, 08:58 AM
You are unlikely to recoup the extra expense of buying a new tank, even if it is super efficient. Put a blanket around the one you have.

OTOH, if you have electric now and NG is an option, you will definitely recoup the cost of the tank.
hyperactiveme
Apr 22nd, 2009, 09:34 AM
how about the $30 monthly rental fee?
vitaminJ
Apr 23rd, 2009, 11:56 AM
You are unlikely to recoup the extra expense of buying a new tank, even if it is super efficient. Put a blanket around the one you have.

OTOH, if you have electric now and NG is an option, you will definitely recoup the cost of the tank.

Soooo....you think the % savings would be much smaller than say 30%, thats disappointing, i don't suppose you have some evidence for that, preferably in chart form? ;) I have not considered natural gas up to now, i have never heard before that it is cheaper, and it would create a bunch of needless co2 too... The NG water heaters seem to be more expensive then elec, is the gas itself super-cheap?

hyperactiveme said: how about the $30 monthly rental fee?

Own the one i have and would buy the better one too, no rental.
Heynow999
Apr 23rd, 2009, 09:22 PM
Insulate it. Wrap it twice with insulation. If you get the silver bubble type insulation you can tape it together with the silver duct tape. It looks pretty neat.

In Europe the water heater is often in a closet. What some people do insulate the crap out of the tank, stuff the whole closet full of insulation around it, then place down comforters on top.
vitaminJ
Apr 25th, 2009, 11:03 AM
I've heard that an insulating blanket will save at most $40 a year - I thought the improved model could do better than that.

Thanks for the DIY tip heynow999.

So... no one knows of a roundup comparison of the different kinds of water heaters with clear results? Even Consumer Reports only seems to have the most general advice.

I don't plan to go ahead with the purchase if it won't save any money. Maybe i should save up for a couple years then go tankless + rebates like everyone else, but i've heard newfoundland groundwater in winter is too cold for tankless water heaters :confused: