Energy Efficient Water Heating
Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 14 percent of your utility bill.

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Unlike the cumbersome and often obtrusive solar panels of a decade ago, photovoltaic (PV) modules (which convert sunlight into electricity) can be integrated right into roofing materials resulting in a solar system that is difficult to notice on the roof but has benefits that are hard to miss.
There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, and buy a new, more efficient water heater. A family of four, each showering for 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; this is enough for a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person. You can cut that amount in half simply by using low-flow showerheads and faucets.

Solar Water Heaters
If you heat with electricity and you have an unshaded, south-facing location (such as a roof) on your property, consider installing a solar water heater. More than 1.5 million homes and businesses in the United States have invested in solar water heating systems and over 94 percent of these customers consider the systems a good investment. Solar water heating systems are also good for the environment. Solar water heaters avoid the
 
harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production. During a 20-year period, one solar water heater can avoid over 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

When shopping for a solar water heater, watch for systems certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC).

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10 February, 2003

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