Understanding water heater efficiency ratings
What the numbers really mean
Shopping for a new water heater for your home does not have to be a complicated process. One thing that will certainly make the experience easier and give you a bit of an advantage is to understand water heater efficiency ratings.
Rating a water heater’s efficiency is nothing new. However, the old system of doing so made it challenging to do a side-by-side comparison of different brands and models and it provided inconsistent information to consumers.
The system that is used now is easier for anyone and everyone to understand.
Additionally, a company like Rucci Oil Company can familiarize you with the water heaters that are currently available and help you find one that works best for you, your home and your budget!
How the water heater efficiency rating system works
The efficiency rating of a water heater tells you how well that heater is able to convert energy into heat. An efficient water heater will receive a higher rating – meaning water heaters with higher ratings are more efficient at warming water than water heaters with a lower rating.
When homeowners have a water heater that is efficient they can typically expect to spend less money on their energy bills than they would if they were using a heater with a lower efficiency rating.
There are a few different terms to know when it comes to water heater efficiency ratings:
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): This rating will tell you how much of the energy a water heater uses goes directly towards actually heating your water as opposed to it becoming standby heat loss.
- Energy Factor (EF): This number tells you how effectively a water heater uses its energy source (this would be something like gas or electricity). A high EF rating means that a water heater is effective at converting energy into usable hot water.
- First Hour Rating or First Hour Delivery (FHR/FHD): An FHR or FHD rating will tell you how much hot water a specific water heater can produce during its first hour of operation.
Upgrade your home’s water heater
You can count on better efficiency from a water heater by upgrading to a newer model. Upgrading will help you get the hot water you need for your home and you’ll notice a positive impact on your home’s energy bills as well.
You should also consider upgrading your water heater if it’s old (your average heater typically lasts between 7 to 13 years) or if it is beyond repair.
Of course there are issues that you may run into over time (this includes your hot water not lasting for long enough, a lack of hot water throughout your home, a buildup of condensation around your tank, rusty water, mold or mildew near your tank, a sediment buildup inside your tank or an unusual odor or color coming from your heater or your home’s water). These problems can oftentimes be fixed by a professional service such as Rucci Oil, but sometimes it is worth it to replace your equipment entirely.
Rucci Oil can help you upgrade your water heater
If you are a homeowner in Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn or specific parts of New Jersey who is looking to replace his or her water heater, Rucci Oil can help. We can also help you fix common water heater issues.
Contact Rucci today to get a free estimate for water-heater service, repairs or installation.