Electric water heaters are appliances that are essential in modern homes. They come in different sizes and shapes, with varying energy consumption and cost. In this article, we will be discussing the energy consumption and cost of using an electric water heater with a capacity of six gallons.
How To Use This Calculator
Using this energy calculator is a simple and will help you determine the costs of running your appliance. Click on ‘Calculate’ to use the predefined values, or enter your daily usage in hours, appliance watts, and your current energy costs in dollars. The calculator will provide you with the daily, monthly, and yearly results. It’s important to ensure the accuracy of the information entered to get the most accurate results.
Hours Used Per Day
Enter the number of hours you estimate the appliance will be on throughout the day. To use fractions of an hour please use a decimal point in the form.
For example: 1 hour and 30 mintes would be 1.5, and 3 hours and 15 minutes would be 3.25
Power Used in Watts
The calculator already includes a default average wattage. If your appliance uses a different wattage then enter it in the calculator.
Your Energy Rate in kWh
The calculator includes an average energy rate (price in $/kWh) to use for the calculation. This may not be the exact price that you’re currently paying for electricity. If you know your energy rate please enter your price per kilowatt-hour.
Energy Consumption
The energy consumption of an electric water heater depends on various factors such as the size of the tank, frequency of use, and temperature settings. For a six-gallon electric water heater, the energy consumption is relatively low compared to larger units.
An electric water heater heats the water in the tank using heating elements. The heating elements use electrical energy to heat the water to the desired temperature. The heating process continues until the water reaches the desired temperature, and the thermostat switches off the heating elements. Consequently, the energy consumption of an electric water heater depends on the amount of water in the tank and the desired temperature.
Importance of Energy Consumption and Cost
Electric water heaters are essential appliances in modern homes. They provide hot water for domestic use, such as bathing, washing dishes, and cleaning. Therefore, understanding the energy consumption and cost of electric water heaters is crucial in managing energy bills and conserving energy.
Electricity bills account for a significant portion of household expenses. As such, managing the energy consumption of appliances is essential in reducing energy bills. By understanding the energy consumption and cost of electric water heaters, homeowners can make informed decisions on when to use their water heaters and the desired temperature settings.
Cost of Energy Usage
The formula for calculating the cost of energy usage is as follows:
Cost (in dollars) = Energy Consumption (in kWh) x Energy Price (in dollars/kWh)Using the default values, the cost of energy consumption for the electric water heater is:
Cost (in dollars) = 1.44 kWh x $0.12/kWh = $0.17Assuming the electric water heater is used for an hour daily, the monthly cost would be:
Monthly cost = Daily cost x 30 days = $0.17 x 30 = $5.18The yearly cost of using an electric water heater for six gallons of hot water daily would be:
Yearly cost = Daily cost x 365 days = $0.17 x 365 = $63.07Money Saving Tips
Electric water heaters are energy-intensive appliances. However, you can reduce your energy bills by implementing the following money-saving tips:
- Lower the temperature setting to 120°F to reduce the energy consumption while still providing adequate hot water.
- Insulate the tank and pipes to reduce heat loss, which can result in significant energy savings.
- Use a timer to control when the water heater is in use. This reduces the amount of standby energy consumed.
- Use low-flow showerheads and faucets to minimize the amount of hot water used.
- Repair any leaks promptly. A single leaky faucet can result in significant energy losses.
Implementing these money-saving tips can result in significant energy savings and reduce your electric bill.
