It may surprise you to know that water heaters were not even noticed by Energy Star (the government program that certifies energy-efficient appliances) until very recently. plumbers in Chicago believe this attention was long overdue as the water heater is the most energy hungry machine in any common household. It wasnt until 2008 that the energy usage of the water heater was regulated.
Because it wasnt noticed until very recently, the developments to create a more efficient water heater have not progressed as quickly as other appliances. Recently though, the advancements to make water heaters more efficient is growing very rapidly. Since seventeen percent of a households total energy use comes from the water heater, these advancements are very significant.
The new efficient types of water heater are good for the environment and can also save you hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars in energy costs every year.
Since the technology is fairly new, there are very few hybrid water heaters available today. Since its a new product, and the supply is fairly low, the hybrid water heater can cost around two thousand to three thousand dollars. However, Chicago plumbers are coming out with new ones and that should push the cost of the current water haters down.