Top 10 Interesting Facts About Water Heaters
#1. The first hot water heater was patented in 1868 by a painter named Benjamin Waddy Maughan.
Maughan used a gas burner to heat pipes that in turn heated the water that flowed through them before the water entered a sink or tub. There was no ventilation, making early water heaters especially dangerous.
Before the modern water heater, homeowners needed to heat water on the stove or get warm water from a hot spring. Some homes also had a water-back, a storage tank for water behind a stove or fireplace. The location of the storage tank would ensure that the water gets warm.
#2. Your hot water heater accounts for roughly 25% of your home’s energy usage.
At 25% of a home's energy usage, the water heater makes a significant difference in the household's utility bills. For the best results, homeowners should look for an energy efficient water heater. You will know that a water heater is efficient thanks to the EnergyStar sticker on it.
EnergyStar water heaters must run at a minimal efficiency rating in order to get the EnergyStar sticker. While efficiency ratings vary from model to model, electric water heaters tend to operate more efficiently than gas water heaters. Condensing water heaters operate more efficiently than non-condensing units.
Other ways to improve energy efficiency include:
- Smart thermostat
- Tank insulation
- Lower the temperature
#3. 150 companies started making water heaters in the 1900s.
Residential hot water become a hot commodity in the early 1900s. Therefore, numerous businesses developed in order to meet the surge of manufacturing and distribution demands.
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Many of the first water heater manufacturers are still in business today, including:
- Ruud – 1887
- Rheem - 1925
- Stiebel Eltron – 1929 (first electric water heater)
- Bradford Water Heater – 1933
- A.O. Smith - 1936
Ruud was the first water heater company to develop, and it’s still one of the most popular water heater companies today.
#4. Jimmy Carter installed solar panels at the White House in 1979, designed to heat the building’s water.
Democratic Jimmy Carter won the support of many environmentalists thanks to his eco-friendly policies. True to his brand, he installed solar panels on the White House roof. Rather than using the solar panels to heat the entire mansion, the panels were made to support the building's water heater. Unfortunately, 10 years later, Carter's Republican predecessor, Ronald Reagan, removed the solar panels when the roof required work.
#5. According to the Federal Reserve, over 50% of Americans can’t afford a new water heater or a water heater repair over $400.
Like any other technology, water heaters break down over time. Since water heaters are such unique and essential appliances that require specialized knowledge, water heater repair can get expensive.
In order to reduce repair expenses, keep up with preventative maintenance. A maintenance plan involves a tech coming to your home to inspect and clean the water heater so that it works as efficiently as possible for as long as possible.
#6. Geothermal water heaters and solar water heaters use natural energy to heat water at a very efficient rate.
Most people assume they have two main fuel source options for their water heater: electric water heater or gas water heater. However, many water heaters run on alternative fuel sources that use the heat generated from the ground (geothermal energy) or the sun (solar energy).
Since these water heaters use natural energy, there's little to no monthly utility charges to run the water heater.
Iceland proudly claims to get all electricity and heat from renewable energy sources.
#7. The average family of 4 uses roughly 60 gallons of hot water a day.
When sizing a water heater,. it's important to understand how much hot water you'll need. For a simple reference, the average family uses about 60 gallons of hot water every day.
There are numerous ways to reduce the amount of water you use in your household, including:
- Repair leaks
- Take quicker showers
- Install low-flow fixtures and appliances
- Only use appliances when full
Look at one of our favorite low flow showerheads on Amazon:
Waterpik EcoFLow Handheld Shower Head)
#8. A water heater by any other name is still a water heater.
Here in America, we use the phrase "water heater" or "hot water heater". However, people in other parts of the world have different names for water heaters, such as:
- multi-point geysers - United Kingdom
- instantaneous hot water units - Australia and New Zealand
- calfones - Argentina
Whatever you call your water heater, it doesn't matter as long as it heats your home's water properly.
#9. Tankless water heaters come with a lot of benefits.
Tankless water heaters provide water on demand instead of storing hot water in a tank until someone needs it. There are numerous advantages to tankless water heaters, including:
- longevity (20+ years)
- endless hot water
- space-saving design
- high energy efficiency
- less maintenance
If you are ready to upgrade to tankless, U.S. Water Heating Solutions can help!
#10. Many businesses depend on functional hot water heaters.
Hot water heaters aren't merely a luxury for modern households. Commercial properties often rely on commercial hot water heaters to run an operation. For example, restaurants can't serve customers without proper hot water to clean dishes. Additionally, many hotels and apartment complexes can't house guests if the water heater goes out.
If you run into a problem with your commercial water heater, U.S. Water Heating Solutions offers commercial water heater services. Contact U.S. Water Heating Solutions today to get a free quote!
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