Electric water heaters are a common household appliance that provide hot water for various uses. This appliance is powered by electricity, making it easy to install and operate. However, it is essential to understand the energy consumption and the cost of using this appliance. In this article, we will discuss the energy consumption, cost, and money-saving tips for using an electric water heater (immersion).
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 its wattage, usage time, and other factors. The default wattage for this appliance is 3000 watts. Suppose you use it for one hour; then the energy consumption will be 3 kWh (kilowatt-hours). The energy consumption can be calculated by multiplying wattage by usage time and dividing the result by 1000. For example, if you use your electric water heater for 3 hours, the energy consumption will be 9 kWh (3000 watts x 3 hours / 1000).
It is important to note that the energy consumption varies based on the usage pattern. If you use hot water for shorter periods, the consumption will be lower, resulting in lower energy costs.
Importance and Relevance
Electric water heaters are an essential appliance for many households worldwide. They provide a convenient way to heat water, making it easy to perform various tasks such as bathing, washing dishes, and many more. The importance of this appliance lies in its convenience and efficiency. This appliance is relatively easy to install and does not require any additional space, making it ideal for small households.
Electric water heaters are relevant today due to the increasing concern for energy consumption and its impact on the environment. By understanding the energy consumption of this appliance, households can save energy and reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a sustainable environment.
Cost in Dollars of Energy Usage
The cost of using an electric water heater depends on the energy consumption and the energy price. The default energy price used in this article is $0.12/kWh. The formula used to calculate the energy cost is:
Energy cost = Energy consumption x Energy price
Suppose you use your electric water heater for two hours each day. The daily energy consumption will be 6 kWh (3000 watts x 2 hours / 1000), and the daily energy cost will be $0.72 (6 kWh x $0.12/kWh). The monthly cost will be $21.60 (30 days x $0.72/day), and the yearly cost will be $259.20 (12 months x $21.60/month).
Money Saving Tips
There are many ways to save money while using an electric water heater. Here are some of the money-saving tips:
- Reduce the usage time: The longer the appliance is in use, the higher the energy consumption and the cost. Reducing the usage time can save energy and money.
- Use cold water: Using cold water for cleaning and showering can significantly reduce the energy consumption and cost.
- Insulate the water tank: Insulating the water tank can reduce the heat loss, resulting in lower energy consumption.
- Use a timer: Using a timer to set the usage time can save energy and money.
- Lower the thermostat: Lowering the thermostat temperature can reduce the energy consumption and cost.
Suppose you reduce your usage time to one hour per day, lower the thermostat temperature by 5 degrees Celsius, and insulate the water tank. In that case, you can save up to $80 per year.
In conclusion, electric water heaters are a convenient and efficient way to heat water. By understanding the energy consumption and cost, households can save energy and money. Implementing the money-saving tips mentioned in this article can significantly reduce the energy consumption and cost of using an electric water heater.