Residential Water Heaters | Energy Efficient Water Heaters | Find the perfect water heater for all your needs

 Residential water heaters are an important part of our homes, but most of us don't think about them until they break down. Unfortunately, that means that many residential water heaters aren't up to snuff. They're inefficient, poorly maintained, and could use work or replacement.

While most of us would rather avoid thinking about our water heaters, having the right one could save you a lot of money, and give you more hot water, too. If you're not happy with the quality of your showers, or you've been spending too much on your water bill, it's time to take a look at your water heater, and the options you have to improve it.

New technology is bringing us better, more energy efficient water heaters. While the traditional water heating method is to use gas or electricity to heat a large, cylindrical vessel full of water, there are many other ways to produce hot water, too. Depending on the type of household you live in and how you use your hot water, an on demand water heater might be a better, more efficient choice. Solar residential water heaters are also getting a lot more popular, especially in areas where there's a lot of sun.

Instant hot water systems, also called on demand water heaters or tankless heaters, can produce water as required, though the rate is limited. They don't store hot water in a tank like the usual sort of water heater. Instead, these energy efficient water heaters create hot water as it's needed. If you only use hot water a few times a day, keeping a large tank hot can be a waste of energy, especially if you live alone. You could save money and energy by switching. However, for families or people who use hot water throughout the day, these heaters are less efficient.

Even standard residential water heaters can be made more efficient by insulating them, or purchasing a new, better designed model. Check out what's available at your local appliance store - advances have been made recently that allow your water heater to keep home water hot without using as much energy. Look for cartridge type heating elements and copper internal containers.

Make sure you maintain all residential water heaters well. Steel tanks, even when lined with porcelain or glass, can rust and develop leaks. Many water heaters include rods to prevent corrosion, but if these rods are used up, corrosion occurs. That means that every ten years, you should check your water heater to make sure that it's still in acceptable condition. All water heaters have an eventual possibility of leakage.

If you live in the right climate, you could take advantage of the energy of the sun to keep your household water hot. Installed outside the house, either nearby or on the roof, solar water heaters are some of the most energy efficient water heaters you can find, at least from a power bill perspective.

Some heaters can provide warmth for as much as 90 percent of your home's water needs. Installation costs are high, but these heaters will pay for themselves over the course of a few years. Check out your options and see if solar water heating is the right choice for you!

No matter what kind of residential water heater you use in your home, it's important to make sure that it's right for your situation and that it's working properly. Check your water heater and find out how to maintain it correctly. If you need a new one, don't be reluctant to replace it. It'll save you money in the long run. We here at EmeraldWaterHeaters.com want to help you with resources and information so that you can find the right water here for your home.