With electric bills on the rise in Florida, it’s more important than ever to have the most efficient water heating solutions possible. While Florida is the Sunshine State with ample warm weather and sunny days to warm your water, it might not be enough to heat your water effectively year-round.
In some parts of Florida, especially when temperatures near freezing levels, additional heating sources such as geothermal will often be needed to keep your water warm. For Florida residents, we suggest the following energy-efficient options to warm your water better than traditional tank heaters.
The Problem With Traditional Water Heaters
Since Florida is one of the hottest states in the country, many people never consider the energy efficiency of their water heaters. In fact, most homes still use traditional tank-style water heaters. These systems are abundant and comparatively inexpensive.
However, they have several downsides that make them one of the least efficient methods for heating water. A poorly maintained tank water heater can also be dangerous and prone to breakdowns, often at the worst possible time.
To heat water, conventional water tanks use a heating element, which is located at the bottom of the tank. When water flows into the tank, the heating element warms it to the appropriate temperature. Tank water heaters can use electricity or gas for fuel, but in Florida, most homes use electric water heaters, which adds to monthly energy bills. You can control the amount of hot water available at any given time by purchasing a smaller or larger tank as needed.
The main problem with these tanks is that the water is heated and then sits in the tank, where it gradually cools. You’ll spend energy heating the water, and if you don’t use it immediately, you’ll need to use more energy to heat it again later. This tends to be wasteful and inefficient because you’ll use excessive energy heating water you won’t need right away, and you could waste time waiting for water to heat up when you run out of hot water.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters provide hot water as needed. Of course, the downside is that tankless systems can only heat so much water per minute. However, as long as you are below this amount, the volume of hot water available is virtually limitless. This system is much more efficient because it only heats the water when you use it. Tankless water heaters also offer flexibility in how you heat the water.
They last much longer than traditional hot water heating systems, making them affordable in the long run. They are also easy to maintain and take up less space. The only downside with tankless water heaters is that they cost more upfront than traditional systems. In Florida, the warmer climate means that your tankless system works less to heat water, compounding the efficiency gains you get over conventional systems.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters move heat from one place to the next instead of heating the water directly with electricity. In Florida, these systems are much more energy efficient because so much heat is in the air. These systems can be up to three times more energy efficient than conventional water heaters.
The temperature range of the entire state of Florida is typically well within the range required for heat pump water heaters to remain at maximum efficiency. As with most other options, a higher upfront installation cost is the primary downside. However, it’s more affordable in the long run because it’s more efficient and affordable to maintain.
Geothermal Water Heaters
It might be surprising, but geothermal water heaters can be more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters. Geothermal systems take advantage of the ground’s constant temperature throughout the year. In the summer, Geothermal systems bring that cool temperature into your home to keep it cool.
In the winter, this process reverses, warming your home without using much electricity. Geothermal heat pumps need an additional desuperheater attachment to heat hot water. However, it’s a worthy investment if you want to use geothermal heating and cooling for your Florida home. The upfront costs are much higher than conventional systems, but you get a system that will operate for a long time at a fraction of the cost of a conventional system.
Optimizing Your Water Heating System
While these systems are significantly more energy efficient than a conventional water heater, you might still have plenty of room to make your system even more efficient.
Proper Maintenance
As with any other system, proper maintenance is key to your system running well throughout the year. You should have a professional perform that maintenance to ensure it’s done well. Proper maintenance also gives your system a much longer lifespan and lessens the chances of that system breaking down.
Professional Installation
Your system needs proper installation to function efficiently across its entire lifespan. That means you need a professional who understands the specific make and model you choose. These professionals will know where to put your system to maximize energy efficiency.
Smart Temperature Settings
While it might not seem that important, setting the proper temperature is a factor for achieving maximum energy efficiency with your system. Setting your water heater to the proper temperature ensures your system doesn’t overheat and waste energy. It also lengthens the lifespan of your system’s components.
Proper Insulation
Another thing to consider is heat loss from water going through your pipes. This heat loss means your system must work harder to maintain the set temperature. This compounds if you have not set the temperature correctly. By properly insulating your pipes, you reduce the heat that gets lost as the water travels through your home.
At Plumbing & Cooling Nerds, you can count on us to provide the plumbing services you need to keep your Florida home comfortable. We provide emergency plumbing, sewer, and drain services, ensuring your home’s plumbing system functions well year-round. You can also count on us for AC installation, repair, and maintenance. We also provide the same services for heating systems.
Contact Plumbing & Cooling Nerds in Southwest Florida for information today.
