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How Much Can You Save?
Energy-efficient water heaters can save you up to 50% on water heating costs! Here are some examples:
If you live in Tacoma, Washington, choosing the right water heater can mean big savings each year. This helps with your monthly budget and can save you more money in the long run.
Upfront Costs
Here’s what you might pay for different types of water heaters:
While some options cost more upfront, the money you save on energy bills over time can make it worth it. Think about these costs when deciding which one is right for you.
Rebates and Incentives
Did you know you can get help with the upfront cost? Tacoma Public Utilities and federal programs offer rebates and tax credits to lower your costs. Check with local programs to see what’s available.
Rebates depend on the model and how energy-efficient it is, so it’s a good idea to talk to a local expert to make sure you get the best deal.
How It Works
This tool helps you see how much money and energy you can save with different water heaters. It calculates costs based on:
By entering a few details, you can find out which water heater will save you the most.
Key Information the Calculator Uses
How Efficient Are Water Heaters?
Here’s what the calculator uses to figure out energy use:
Costs and Payback
The calculator compares the yearly costs of each type of water heater. It also tells you how long it will take to save enough money to cover the cost of a new tankless water heater.
This tool is perfect for Tacoma homeowners to pick the best water heater for saving money and using less energy.
Energy consumption depends on water heater efficiency and the energy required to heat water:
The energy required to heat water is based on the volume of water and the temperature rise.
Energy Required (in BTUs)=Gallons per Day×8.34 (BTUs per Gallon)×Temperature Rise (°F)
For example, a household of 4 using 25 gallons per person per day requires:
4×25 (gallons)×8.34×70=58,380 BTUs per Day.
Daily kWh (Electric)= 3,412 BTUs Daily Therms (Gas)=BTUs100,000
For the example above:
Each water heater type has a different efficiency rating (EF, or Energy Factor):
Adjusted Energy Use=Energy Required/Efficiency
For electric, adjusted daily kWh:
17.1/.9=19.0 kWh per Day
For gas, adjusted daily therms:
0.58/0.6=0.97 therms per Day.
Annual Cost=Adjusted Daily Use×Rate per Unit×365
For electric:
19.0 kWh×0.12 ($/kWh)×365=$831.60 /year
For gas:
0.97 therms×1.20 ($/therm)×365=$425.46 /year
Tankless water heaters typically consume 15-20% less energy due to higher efficiency, so we adjust the savings calculation accordingly.
The difference in annual energy costs between a standard water heater and a tankless system is:
Savings per Year=Standard Heater Cost−Tankless Heater Cost.
If the upfront installation cost for a tankless water heater is $3,000:
Payback Period=Upfront Cost/Annual Savings.
For example, if savings are $400/year, the payback period is:
3,000/400=7.5 years.
This calculator shows how much homeowners in Tacoma, Washington, could save by upgrading to a modern tankless water heater. It accounts for local utility rates, water usage, and heater efficiency to provide personalized results, helping users make informed decisions.