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HEATING WATER

Approximate CO2 reductions are given for some of the energy saving actions. We hope that these will help you calculate the effect of your reductions. The numbers on this page show results for heating water with natural gas, oil and electricity. Some of these measures are eligible for rebates from KeySpan or NSTAR. (Click rebate for more information)

Free ways to save energy on heating water:

 Natural Gas (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

 Oil
 (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

Electric
 (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

  • Turn down water heater thermostat to 120°F
  • Wash clothes in cold water
  • Cut phantom washer loads in half
  • Use energy saving setting on washing machine and  dishwasher
  • Repair leaky faucets and toilets

200
300
270
--

--

 270
415
365
--

--


 210
320
280
--

--



 
 Low cost saving measures:

 Natural Gas (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

Oil
 (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

Electric
 (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

  • Install a water saving shower head
  • Install water efficient faucet aerators
  • Install water heater wrap or blankets
  • Insulate water pipes
  • Repair hot water leaks

340
100
240
50
30

465
140
330
65
35

360
105
255
50
30

 

Measures with higher costs, but short payback periods:

 Natural Gas (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

Oil
 (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

 Electric
 (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

  • Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas of your house
  • Purchase a new, efficient water heater
  • Install a low-flow toilet 
  • Purchase a H-axis high efficiency washing machine—300 lbs/year

--

--
--
300

--

--
--
410

--

--
--
315

 

Cost-effective measures requiring a significant investment:

Natural Gas (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

Oil (CO2 lbs/yr saved)

Electric
(CO2 lbs/yr saved)

  • Install a solar hot water heater

1370

1885

1445

 

For more information about high efficiency appliances and heaters, visit the American Council for an Energy Efficient  Economy website.


All CO2 reduction numbers are from Richard Heede of the Rocky Mountain Institute. This work is supported by the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Winslow Foundation and Sun Hill Foundation.

 

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