Technology Tuesdays: Advances in Water Heating Technology

Hello Partners!

Many people overlook their water heaters and often do not know just how much of their home or facility’s energy usage can be attributed to their water heater. Water heaters are one of the most utilized appliances and the most seldom seen. Although we don’t think about them a whole lot unless something is wrong, let’s not overlook some of the biggest innovations in water heating technology of recent decades which have turbocharged energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

One of those innovations is the recirculation pump water heater. Recirculation water heaters are able to deliver hot water to the point of use much quicker than a regular water heater and by doing so, they prevent waste. A recirculation pump on a hot water heater forces the unused hot water back to the water heating unit so that it remains hot and ready to use. Otherwise, the unused hot water is left to remain in the pipes and get cold which is a waste of heat energy.

Another relatively recent innovation in water heating technology is the hybrid heat pump water heater. This is part heat pump and part conventional storage water heater. General Electric was the first to develop the model which was called the GeoSpring heat pump water heater. After rigorous testing it was found to use less than 50% of the energy used in a conventional storage water heater. Heat pumps are very energy efficient because they leverage the temperature of the earth by way of coils placed underground and used to heat a medium (water) that is then transferred to a heat exchanger for use.

These are just two of the major examples of innovation in water heating. Some of the innovations over the years have been widgets or additions to conventional water heaters that have made a big impact. For example, anode rods, glass lining and porcelain lining are all additions to the original design of the water heater to reduce or eliminate the corrosive effects of water and extending the useful life of the water heater significantly.

Another innovation is the solar powered water heater. When a person says solar powered water heating, we think of solar panels. However, this type of solar is not a very efficient method of heating water not to mention, the technology to store enough energy to get through the cloudy days is simply not quite there. The concept we are referring to is one of the oldest for heating water although the application is relatively new. It uses black water-filled pipes in a glass-covered box. When the sunlight heats the box, it causes convection which results in hot water.

There are many ways in which water heater technology has progressed over the years and it is worth taking a look especially if you are in the unpleasant position of having to replace one. The good news is, they keep getting better and better so chances are, any increases in pricing will be offset with the resulting energy savings.

The savings never stop!

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Sources:
https://www.waterheaterhub.com/water-heater-innovations/
https://www.residentialproductsonline.com/heating-water-heater-efficiency-innovations-continue-grow#
https://www.energy.gov/articles/hot-new-advances-water-heating-technology
https://www.tlcplumbing.com/blog/what-is-a-hot-water-recirculating-pump/