It’s estimated that the average household uses about 20-25% of their total energy costs just to heat water! Therefore, among other benefits, homeowners can save a lot of money by upgrading to a more energy-efficient hot water heater. But how can you determine the energy efficiency of your current water heater? Keep reading to find out.
A water heater’s energy efficiency is determined by the uniform energy factor (UEF). This is the standard measure of a water heater’s overall efficiency. Older water heaters will have an energy factor (EF). Keep in mind that UEF and EF are not a direct comparison. The UEF is based on how much energy the water heater uses and how much energy is used to power the water heater – the higher the UEF, the more efficient the water heater.
The UEF rating is determined by assigning water heaters to one of four categories and then evaluating their performance. These categories are called “bins”. The water heaters are assigned a bin based on hot water usage. The previous EF method subjected all water heaters to the same rating, regardless of the water heater size, making it difficult to do a direct comparison. You can only accurately compare UEF ratings between two water heaters in the same bin.
Before we can determine the UEF of a hot water heater, here are a couple of terms that we need to know:
The First Hour Rating (FHR): This is an estimate of the maximum volume of hot water (in gallons) that a storage water heater can supply within an hour that begins with the water fully heated. The FHR is measured at a 125°F outlet temperature in the Uniform Energy Factor test method. The FHR is used for a traditional tank water heater.
Gallons per Minute (GPM): The number of gallons per minute of hot water that can be supplied by an instantaneous water heater while maintaining a nominal temperature rise during steady-state operation. The GPM is measured over a 67°F temperature rise in the Uniform Energy Factor test method. The GPM is used for tankless water heaters.
The four categories (and their anticipated hot water usage) are:
Very small (10 gallons)
First Hour Rating (FHR): < 18 gallons
Gallons Per Minute (GPM): < 1.7
Low (38 gallons)
First Hour Rating (FHR): 18 – 51 gallons
Gallons Per Minute (GPM): 1.7 – 2.8
Medium (58 gallons)
First Hour Rating (FHR): 51 – 75 gallons
Gallons Per Minute (GPM): 2.8 – 4
High (84 gallons)
First Hour Rating (FHR): > 75 gallons
Gallons Per Minute (GPM): > 4
A water heater is assigned a UEF based on its first hour rating, or gallons per minute, depending on its type.
Now, these are a lot of numbers that probably don’t mean much to you. At the end of the day, a higher UEF means a water heater is more energy efficient and will cost less to operate compared to other water heaters in the same bin. Your hot water heater should come with a sticker or label, depicting its UEF on a scale.
Keep in mind that higher energy efficiency doesn’t always mean lower operating costs. The cost to run your water heater will depend on many factors, including its size, type, and fuel source (gas or electric).
If your current water heater is over ten years old, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement. There’s no better time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient hot water heater. To get a quote, contact Lynn’s Winnipeg today!
Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
