This is all to say that your energy costs are going to depend on your water heater. Still, we want to spend some time on this article to help you get an understanding of how much energy a water heater will use. If you’d rather consult with a plumber, then call Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air to schedule a face-to-face meeting or on-site visit.

The traditional tank-style water heater

The most common type of water heater found in homes is the tank-style water heater. They’re the large cylinders that hold anywhere from 40 to 120 or more gallons of water. Here’s how they work: water fills up in the tank, the unit heats the water to a set temperature, and keeps it hot until you need it.

There’s a catch: a tank-style heater works to maintain that temperature even when you’re not using hot water. This constant heating, known as standby heat loss, is where a lot of energy gets used. If you’ve got a large tank or live in a colder climate, your heater might be kicking on more frequently to keep that water warm.

How much energy do tank-style heaters use?

To be clear, we can’t give you a definitive number. This is going to depend on the size of your tank and the type of energy used, among other factors, but:

• A typical 40 to 50 gallon electric water heater uses between 3,000 to 4,500 watts per day (depending on how often it runs and the temperature of the water). Note that electric heaters are more efficient in terms of energy conversion because almost all the electricity used goes into heating the water.
• A standard 40 gallon gas water heater might consume around 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs per hour. While gas heaters are generally less expensive to run than electric ones due to the lower cost of natural gas, they tend to lose more energy during the heating process.

Tankless Water Heaters: The on-demand option

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, will heat up water only when you need it. Instead of constantly heating a tank full of water, these units instantly heat the water as it passes through the system. This eliminates standby heat loss and makes them more energy-efficient overall, especially for smaller households or homes that don’t use large amounts of hot water at once.

How much energy do tankless water heaters use?

Tankless water heaters require significant power to heat water quickly and are typically rated by their GPM (gallons per minute) capacity. Again, energy usage differs between electric and gas models:

• A typical electric-powered unit might use anywhere from 12,000 to 28,000 watts while operating. Since they only run when hot water is needed, their overall energy usage per year is generally lower than a tank system’s.
• A typical gas tankless water heater might consume between 150,000 to 200,000 BTUs per hour. Again, they only use energy when the hot water is flowing.

Maximizing your heater’s efficiency

Routine plumbing service ensures the water is free of sediment and contaminants, and periodic water heater maintenance makes sure your water heater is tuned to optimal levels. You can also maximize energy efficiency by setting the thermostat to 120 degrees and insulating your water heater and associated pipes.

It’s also worth mentioning that water heater repair should be handled as soon as possible. Compromised water heaters can waste energy and even pose a safety risk!

Hire uniformed plumbers

Whether you need a dependable water heater replacement, a quick repair, or routine maintenance, the professionals at Rooter Hero have the experience, expertise, and equipment to help. Call or message us today to get in touch with a courteous representative.