Water Heaters
When Canadians want to save energy and money and help the environment, they look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol to identify energy-efficient products.
Domestic water heaters are now part of the ENERGY STAR Initiative in Canada. The ENERGY STAR specification for water heaters came into effect on January 1, 2009, adding this equipment to the growing list of products that can qualify for the international symbol of premium energy efficiency.
The ENERGY STAR specification applies to gas, heat pump and solar water heaters. Electric and oil-fired models are not included in the initiative.
Why an ENERGY STAR specification?
The energy efficiency of water heaters is important because the typical Canadian household uses hot water every day. In fact, water heaters can account for more than 20 percent of a household’s total annual energy consumption.
Selecting an ENERGY STAR qualified model that can reliably meet a household’s needs will result in significant cost savings over the life of the equipment. An ENERGY STAR qualified water heater will also help the environment because the less energy we use, the fewer greenhouse gas emissions are produced.
ENERGY STAR specification
The energy efficiency of gas-fired and heat pump water heaters is measured by a ratio called the Energy Factor (EF). The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. In addition to meeting the energy efficiency requirements shown in the table below, manufacturers must offer limited warranties.
The minimum efficiency rating for gas storage water heaters will be strengthened on September 1, 2010, meaning that these systems will have to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency to qualify for ENERGY STAR.
Selecting a system
When shopping for a new water heater, look for a high-efficiency model that is properly sized to meet your household’s needs. Your options may be limited by fuel availability (natural gas is not available in all parts of Canada) and the suitability of different types of installations for your situation.
If you are purchasing a gas, solar or heat pump water heater, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol on the product or its packaging or literature to ensure that you are getting a top energy performer in that product category. Keep in mind that premium energy efficiency levels can vary significantly from one water-heating technology to another (as illustrated in the table below).
| Product Category |
Minimum Efficiency Rating |
Other Ratings | Warranty |
Efficiency Rating Test Method (most recent versions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gas Storage |
EF ≥ 0.62 |
First Hour Rating* (FHR) ≥ 254 litres per hour |
6 years |
CSA P.3 |
|
Gas Storage |
EF ≥ 0.67 |
FHR ≥ 254 litres per hour |
6 years |
CSA P.3 |
|
Gas Tankless |
EF ≥ 0.82 |
Litres per Minute† ≥ 9.5 over 42.8° C rise |
10 years on heat exchanger and 5 years on other parts |
CSA P.7 |
|
Condensing Gas Storage |
EF ≥ 0.80 |
FHR ≥ 254 litres |
8 years |
CSA P.3 |
|
Heat Pump |
EF ≥ 0.20 |
FHR ≥ 190 litres |
6 years |
CSA C745 |
|
Solar Water Heater |
Net solar energy |
– |
10 years for collectors, |
CSA F379 / |
* FHR is the amount of hot water (in litres) a water heater can supply in one hour starting with a fully heated tank.
† Litres per minute is the amount of hot water (in litres) a tankless water heater can supply per minute over a 42.8°C rise.
Among gas systems, for example, storage tank water heaters, which heat and store hot water in a tank, are the most common type installed in Canadian homes but deliver the lowest levels of energy efficiency. Better options from an energy efficiency perspective are condensing gas storage water heaters, where the condensing heat exchangers greatly improve the overall efficiency, or tankless systems, which heat water only when it is needed. For even higher levels of energy efficiency, you can purchase a condensing tankless water heater.
Solar and heat pump water heaters are the top energy performers. Although these systems can be more expensive to purchase and install, they can save the most money and energy.
Many utilities across Canada offer customers the option of renting/leasing a water heater or purchasing one outright. Water heaters can also be purchased at retail outlets or from contractors, distributors, wholesalers or dealers.
Before making a final decision, consult a heating professional or your local gas and electric utilities about your particular needs and circumstances.
For more information
More information on ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters, including lists of qualified models, is available on the ENERGY STAR Web site at energystar.nrcan.gc.ca.