Hot Water Heater Efficiency Guide

When it comes to water heaters, many folks base their purchase on the water heater’s efficiency – and for good reason. According to EnergyStar.gov, water heaters are the second highest energy consuming appliance in the home. That being said, it makes sense why homeowners would want to pay closer attention to how much energy they require in order to operate.

So, what exactly does it take to make a hot water heater energy efficient? Here are some things to look for:

• EF Rating: This is the most important factor in determining efficiency. “EF” stands for “energy factor,” and the EF rating indicates just how efficient each unit is. To determine the water heater’s EF rating, you divide the amount of hot water produced by the amount of fuel used. The higher the  EF rating, the more efficient it is.
• Energy Star: As you begin shopping for a new unit, you’ll notice that some may have a blue sticker that says “Energy Star.” This indicates that the product is Energy Star certified, which means that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified the product as efficient. However, keep in mind that a water heater does not necessarily need to be Energy Star certified in order to be considered efficient.

Because these heaters require so much energy to function, installing an efficient water heater can significantly cut down energy costs in your home. An added bonus? You can get an tax credit by installing an Energy Star certified water heater in your home.

Are Tankless Water Heaters More Efficient?

Yes! Tankless hot water heaters are more efficient than traditional storage tank units and can provide you with plenty of hot water on demand. The good news is that the technology is constantly improving, and storage tank water heaters are becoming more efficient day by day. Storage tank units are also ideal if you have a large household, as they can supply more water than a tankless unit.

For more information on how to choose a tankless unit, check out our Tankless Water Heater Guide.

Energy Efficient Water Heaters

Water Heater Model	EF (Energy Factor) Rating	Energy Star
Rinnai RUR199i Condensing Tankless	0.93	Yes
Rinnai V75i Non-Condensing Tankless	0.81	No
Rinnai CU160i Sensei Commercial Condensing Tankless	0.93	Yes
Bradford White RG2PV75H6N Power Vent	No
Bradford White RG2PV50T6N Power Vent	0.70	Yes
Bradford White RE2H50S6-1NCWT AeroTherm Heat Pump	3.39	Yes

Tankless Water Heaters

Rinnai RXP199iN 11.0 GPM Sensei+ Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heater with Built-In Pump

This unit is part of the Rinnai RXP Sensei+ Series, a line of renowned units that are highly efficient, with Energy Star Qualifications. This tankless hot water heater can provide up to 199,000 BTUs of power and a delivery flow rate of 0.13 – 11.0 GPM, perfect for homes with 2-3 bathrooms or simultaneous use of 3-6 fixtures at any given time. 

Rinnai RE180i High Efficiency Non-Condensing, 8.5 GPM Tankless Hot Water Heater for Indoor Installation

This tankless hot water heater features 180,000 BTUs with a flow rate ranging from 0.13 – 8.5 GPM, which allows simultaneous use of 3-4 fixtures at any given time. The non-condensing technology used in the RE Series ensures you will always have access to hot water on demand. This smart water heater also offers optional Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient remote monitoring and management.

Rinnai CXP160iN 9.0 GPM Sensei CXP Series Commercial Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heater – Built-in Pump

When it comes to restaurants, hotels, multi-family dwellings, or schools, this condensing tankless hot water heater is a strong contender. It’s a Commercial Energy Star certified unit capable of 160,000 BTUs and a hot water delivery rate of 0.13 – 09.0 GPM. Features include Smart Sense, Rinnai’s proprietary Adaptive Gas Valve Technology, and built-in freeze protection. It also utilizes the company’s Circ-Logic technology, which, with its built-in recirculation pump, ensures you always have instant hot water.

Power Vented Gas Tank Water Heaters

Bradford White RG2PV75H6N 75 Gallon, Power Vent Water Heater

If you’re in the market for an updated and efficient storage tank unit, the Bradford White RG2PV75H6N is a great choice. This energy efficient gas water heater features a 75 gallon tank and 76,000 BTUs of power, making it suitable for families of four or five. It features a 90° Recovery Rise of 82 minutes, which means that from the moment cold water enters the tank, it will take about an hour and 20 minutes to reach 90 degrees.

Bradford White RG2PV50T6N 50 Gallon, Power Vent Water Heater

The Bradford White RG2PV50T6N is another great power vented option. With a 50 gallon tank, this natural gas storage tank water heater is ideal for smaller families (think 2-4 people). A key detail of this unit that you’ll want to pay attention to is the Energy Factor (EF). This number indicates the unit’s efficiency – the higher the number, the more efficient the unit. The Bradford White RG2PV50T6N boasts an EF of 0.70, which makes it efficient for household use.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters

Bradford White RE2H50S6-1NCWT 50 Gallon AeroTherm Heat Pump Water Heater

If you’re in the market for an energy efficient electric water heater, the Bradford White RE2H50S6-1NCWT is one you won’t want to miss. It features a 90° Recovery Rise of only 21 minutes, making it another one of the most efficient units we offer! This unit is Energy Star qualified and features an EF rating of 3.39, making it extremely efficient.

Upgrade Today

Replacing your old unit for an energy efficient one will not only help ensure you have access to hot water when you need it, but it can also help you save money in the form of energy bill savings and tax credits. There are so many benefits of efficient water heaters, and we can’t wait for you to experience them. Shop our water heaters now to get started.

If you still have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you find the best product for your household needs.