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In just twenty years, the average single-family household in Wisconsin spends nearly $8,000, simply to heat water. Water that's used for taking showers and baths, and washing dishes and clothes.

High efficiency water heaters use up to 50 percent less energy. That means they can cut your water heating costs in half. (Energy savings from high efficiency water heaters depend on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.)

Know your options.
There are many types of water heaters available. A few of these are listed below:

Water Heater Types

• STORAGE (TANK)
  This is the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today, it keeps water hot and ready for use in an insulated tank. New energy efficient models contain higher levels of insulation around the tank, substantially reducing standby heat loss. When looking for a new model, Focus recommends an energy factor of 0.64 or higher for natural gas units and 0.93 or higher for electric units.
• DEMAND (TANKLESS/INSTANTANEOUS)
  This type of water heater provides hot water on demand by circulating it through a coil heated with gas or electric elements. The energy consumption of these units may be lower, since standby losses from the storage tank are eliminated. When looking for a new model, Focus recommends an energy factor of 0.80 or higher.
• CONDENSING STORAGE (TANK)
  These are similar to gas storage tank units, except that their elaborate heat exchangers extract more heat from combustion gases. This type of water heater is found more often in commercial applications.
• INDIRECT WATER HEATERS
  This type of water heater uses the home's boiler or furnace as the heat source. When used with a new, high-efficiency boiler or furnace, an indirect unit is usually the least expensive way to heat water.
• SOLAR
  This type of unit harnesses the sun's energy to heat water. A solar unit can save 40 to 70 percent per year on hot water costs in Wisconsin. For more information, visit our literature page on solar.

Venting Types

• NATURAL VENT (ATMOSPHERIC VENT)
  Atmospheric venting relies on temperature and pressure differences between the inside and outside of the home and the heat of the exhaust gas , mostly water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to move the exhaust gas out of the home through a vertical chimney or flue. Naturally vented units are susceptible to back drafting, when air is drawn in through the flue preventing exhaust gases from leaving the home which can cause damage and illnesses.
• POWER VENT
  Power venting uses a fan to assures proper exhaust of combustion gases, mostly water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide through the side wall of the home. Without power venting there is the potential that the combustion products can accumulate in the home, causing damage and illnesses. An additional benefit, if your chimney or flue is no longer being used the flue can be closed for additional savings.
• DIRECT VENT
  Direct Venting uses both an intake and exhaust duct to move combustion gases through the side wall of the home. Direct venting reduces the chance of exhaust gases remaining in the home.

Start saving today
Focus on Energy is offering the Cash-Back Rewards on your purchase of a qualifying energy efficient water heater. For more information, visit our Cash-Back Rewards page.

Eligibility
You must be a customer of a participating utility in order to qualify for Reward. See list.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^®
Focus on Energy recommends you schedule a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR energy evaluation to assess the efficiency and safety of your home. This comprehensive evaluation consists of an inspection of most systems in the home including ventilation capacity, heating and cooling equipment, air infiltration and insulation levels. Once the evaluation is complete, you receive a report that identifies problems and recommends solutions and you may even qualify for Cash-Back Rewards if you make the suggested improvements. Click here for more information about the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.