What Is ENERGY STAR^® and What Does It Mean for Water Heaters?

Introduction to ENERGY STAR^®

ENERGY STAR^® is a government-backed symbol introduced in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Its purpose is to identify energy-efficient products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower utility bills. Since its inception, ENERGY STAR^® has expanded to cover a wide range of appliances and home improvement products, impacting millions of households and businesses.

With energy efficiency becoming a global priority, the ENERGY STAR^® program serves as a straightforward way for consumers to identify products that meet rigorous performance and efficiency standards. For homeowners, the ENERGY STAR^® logo represents both economic savings and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Understanding ENERGY STAR^® Certification

To earn the ENERGY STAR^® label, an appliance must meet specific criteria established by the EPA. These criteria often focus on reducing energy use without compromising performance. For water heaters specifically, this includes factors such as energy efficiency ratings, heat loss, and design.

Key Features of ENERGY STAR^® Appliances

1. Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR^® appliances consume less energy than their standard counterparts, allowing for long-term cost savings.
2. Higher Performance Standards: Products with ENERGY STAR^® certification undergo additional auditing to ensure compliance with ENERGY STAR^® requirements.
3. Eco-Friendly Benefits: ENERGY STAR^® appliances generally help reduce carbon footprints by consuming less energy in operation.

Choosing ENERGY STAR^®– certified products ensures you aren’t just saving money-you’re making a conscious choice to reduce environmental impact.

ENERGY STAR^® vs. Standard Appliances

What sets ENERGY STAR^®– certified products apart from standard appliances is their superior ability to maximize efficiency while maintaining high performance. For instance, an ENERGY STAR^®– certified water heater may heat your water just as quickly as a traditional model but will use less power or fuel to do so. This effectively gives you the best of both worlds; you get higher efficiency (and lower energy costs) without sacrificing the performance you expect.

The Impact of Water Heaters on Energy Consumption

The more energy an appliance uses, the greater the impact in switching to an ENERGY STAR^®– certified model. Water heaters are one of the biggest users of energy in the home, and one of the largest contributors to household energy costs.

How Much Energy Do Water Heaters Use?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of a home’s total energy consumption, making it the second-highest energy user in most households.

By upgrading to an ENERGY STAR^®– certified model, you can lower your energy costs and help protect the environment.

Benefits of Using ENERGY STAR^® Water Heaters

Investing in an ENERGY STAR^®– certified water heater can provide a host of benefits that extend beyond energy efficiency. Here’s why homeowners increasingly prefer them:

1. Significant Energy Savings

ENERGY STAR^®– rated water heaters operate more efficiently than standard models, saving hundreds of dollars on annual water heating costs. Over the product’s lifespan, these savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars. They can essentially “pay for themselves” in energy savings when compared to a standard water heater.

For instance:

• An ENERGY STAR^®– certified heat pump water heater can save the average household of four roughly $550 per year on energy bills, depending on the frequency of use.

2. Environmental Benefits

By consuming less electricity, ENERGY STAR^® water heaters can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, positively impacting climate change efforts. With millions of households switching to eco-conscious choices, collectively these small steps play a substantial role in reducing global carbon footprints.

3. Rebates and Incentives

Many local governments and utility companies offer rebates and tax incentives for installing ENERGY STAR^®– certified water heaters. Check with your utility provider to see how much you can save by upgrading your system. Visit the Bradford White Rebate Center to see the rebates available in your area.

4. Better Technology

ENERGY STAR^®– certified water heaters often include advanced features like improved insulation, electronic ignition systems, and heat pump technology. These innovations reduce standby heat loss and improve product efficiency.

5. Enhanced Durability

With their advanced technology and design, Bradford White’s ENERGY STAR^®– certified water heaters are built for outstanding quality, reliability, and durability. This durability translates to additional financial savings as your water heater will last longer and not require replacement as frequently. For example, Bradford White’s AeroTherm^® Series Heat Pump Water Heater includes Built to be the Best^® innovations for durability and long life, including:

Bradford White’s exclusive Vitraglas^® tank lining protects the water heater from the corrosive effects of water. This advanced, proprietary lining has established itself as the industry standard for outstanding protection, and is standard on every Bradford White water heater.

Only Vitraglas^® includes Microban^® antimicrobial technology which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the tank lining. The Microban^® antimicrobial technology is infused into the lining, offering more protection than ever at no extra cost to you.

6. Improved Resale Value

Equipping your home with energy-efficient systems appeals to buyers. ENERGY STAR^® upgrades not only reduce operational costs for the buyer but also signify a modern, forward-thinking home setup, increasing property value.

Types of ENERGY STAR^®– Certified Water Heaters

If you’re considering an upgrade, understanding your options is key. Here are several ENERGY STAR^® water heater types to match your needs:

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are among the most energy-efficient models available. They use electricity to transfer heat, rather than generating it directly, cutting energy use by up to 70% compared to traditional electric models. Learn more about Bradford White’s AeroTherm^® Series Heat Pump Water Heater.

Tankless Water Heaters

Also known as on-demand models, these water heaters only heat water as needed, eliminating standby energy loss. They’re an excellent choice for smaller households or where space for a storage tank type water heater is limited. Bradford White’s Infiniti^® Series and KwickShot^® Series offer you a variety of tankless options for your home.

How to Choose the Right ENERGY STAR^® Water Heater

When shopping for an ENERGY STAR^®– certified water heater, consider these factors:

• Household Size: Larger families may need a larger tank to accommodate their hot water demands.
• Climate: Heat pump systems operate most efficiently in warmer climates. If you live in a cooler climate, you might prefer a tankless model.
• Installation Costs: While ENERGY STAR^® water heaters often cost more upfront, rebates and energy savings tend to offset this expense within a few years.
• Energy Factor (EF): Look for models with higher EF ratings for better efficiency.

By researching these factors, you’ll find the perfect ENERGY STAR^® water heater that meets your needs.

Bradford White is proud to design and engineer ENERGY STAR^® certified products that are high-quality, reliable and efficient. Our dedication to energy efficiency innovation and promotion has made us a five-time ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024). Learn more about Bradford White’s commitment to efficiency here.