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Propane-Fueled Water Heaters Cut Energy Costs in Half
With the Department of Energy estimating that water heating accounts for about 20% of a home’s energy expenditures, home builders can stop by the Propane Education & Research Council Booth W1983 at this year’s International Builders’ Show and learn how their customers can reduce that cost.
Replacing a standard 50-gallon electric tank water heater with a propane-fueled water heater can reduce annual energy costs by more than 50%, according to the council. Savings increase with the installation of tankless propane water heaters, which reduce energy costs by more than 60%.
Tankless water heaters operate on “flow only,” which means they are activated when someone turns on a faucet or an appliance that needs hot water. Always off and waiting until they are needed, tankless water heaters have modulating burners that use only the amount of propane needed to meet the demand, and they eliminate the need for a stored volume of water.
Propane can provide fuel to homes via underground tanks that keep traditional above-ground tanks out of sight, off the landscape.
“More and more builders are finding underground propane tanks an attractive option for providing gas off-the-line,” says the council. “Once a propane gas tank is buried, only a small dome is visible. The dome houses valves, gauges and regulators, allowing for easy servicing and refilling. Underground tanks are also environmentally friendly, not subject to the Environmental Protection Agency's underground storage-tank inspections and come in different sizes, depending on household demand.”
The Propane Education & Research Council promotes the safe, efficient use of propane and has expanded public awareness of propane as an exceptional primary energy source that offers builders’ customers convenience, comfort and warmth.
For additional information about building with propane, visit Booth W1983, or click here.
Based in Washington, D.C., the Propane Education & Research Council is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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