The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental nonprofit to deliver a weekly “green tip” to our readers. This week’s tip was written by Doug Macmillan.
Droughts are becoming the new normal in California. Luckily, there are easily adoptable water-saving solutions for everyone. One water-saving upgrade homeowners can consider is the tankless water heater.
A regular water heater results in wasted water and wasted energy. When we turn on the faucet for warm or hot water, we’re sending clean water down the drain as we wait for the water to reach our desired temperature. And once we turn off the faucet, the hot water that remains in the pipe cools down again—wasting the energy that went into heating the water.
In contrast, tankless water heaters only heat water as we need it. After trying a different brand, I found the Stiebel MiniTM-E 6-2. It is very small and installs under the sink or behind a drawer. The water is hot in less than three seconds.
For most households, one tankless water heater is sufficient, but some may need a second based on where the hot water is needed and capacity, e.g., for the washing machine. (And while your electrician wires your laundry for a tankless water heater, have them install the wiring for an electric dryer.)
For many homes, tankless water heaters provide a win-win-win of saving water, energy and money. So, when your existing water heater expires, say “tanks” but “no tanks” to a new gas water heater.
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