| Most homeowners know that heating water is | | | | systems that cost less than the active direct and |
| one of the most expensive household tasks. If | | | | direct systems but also are less efficient. |
| you are looking to save money in the long run or | | | | Your new green water tank does not have to be |
| simply have an outdated and inefficient water | | | | solar powered. There are green options available |
| tank it may be time to consider the many | | | | in both gas and electric models. High performing |
| benefits of green hot water heaters. Switching to | | | | gas and electric heaters can have less harmful |
| a highly efficient and green hot water heater not | | | | impacts on the environment and function more |
| only would contribute to protecting the | | | | efficiently which will save you money. Newer gas |
| environment but it could greatly reduce the | | | | models tend to be more efficient than electric and |
| amount of money that you spend on your utility | | | | can last for up to twenty years, but can suffer a |
| bills. There are many different types of tanks | | | | loss of efficiency after ten years. |
| available. | | | | Another excellent green option is a tankless or |
| Solar powered hot water heaters are becoming | | | | instantaneous water heater. Tankless units do not |
| very popular. Many states, including California and | | | | store water in large tanks but instead instantly |
| Hawaii, have even begun to offer cash incentives | | | | heat water on an as needed basis. You will save a |
| to homeowners who are willing to make the | | | | great deal of money by not having a full tank of |
| switch to more energy efficient solar. Solar | | | | water that often needs to be reheated in order |
| powered heaters use clean and renewable energy | | | | to deliver hot water. Tankless water heaters also |
| from the sun to heat the water. Not only is solar | | | | take up less space than traditional models. |
| power cleaner but it will cut down your electric or | | | | A green water heater can save you and your |
| gas costs. | | | | family a lot of money while also protecting the |
| The two types of solar hot waters most | | | | environment. There are numerous options |
| commonly used in residential settings are direct | | | | available on the market to suit your needs. Gas, |
| and indirect circulation systems. A direct circulation | | | | electric, solar powered and even tankless hot |
| system is best for more mild climates that do not | | | | water tanks all offer the advantaged of efficient |
| experience regular freezing temperatures. These | | | | and clean energy while performing better than |
| systems work by circulating water through | | | | older models. It may be an investment at first to |
| various collectors and then in to the home. | | | | purchase and install a new water heater. Do not |
| Indirect circulation systems are better suited for | | | | let the upfront cost deter you from upgrading to |
| colder climates. They circulate a heat transfer fluid | | | | a green model because you will see money saving |
| through a heat exchanger that in turn heats the | | | | benefits for years to come. |
| water. There are also passive solar heating | | | | |