Efficiency Benefits of Gas Water Heaters and Hydronics Heating Systems

Propane Industry Releases White Paper on Efficiency Benefits of Gas Water Heaters and Hydronics Heating Systems

Tankless water heaters and radiant heating systems can be combined to create super efficient systems that increase comfort and reduce annual energy costs

Washington, DC (September 28, 2006) – A white paper released today by the propane industry helps homebuilders to understand why gas – both propane and natural – should serve as the primary energy source for hot water and hydronics heating systems. The industry developed the white paper in response to a survey of homebuilders it conducted that found that while consumers preferred gas as the primary energy source for hot water, 50 percent of builders surveyed continued to install water heaters powered by electricity. The white paper is available on www.usepropane.com/buildwithpropane.
The Department of Energy estimates that approximately 20 percent of a home’s energy costs are spent heating hot water. The paper details how a standard 50-gallon electric tank water heater replaced with a propane-fueled water heater could reduce annual energy costs by more than 50 percent, saving an average of $254 annually. Savings increase with the installation of tankless water heaters, with propane-fueled tankless water heaters reducing annual energy costs by more than 60 percent.

High-efficiency water heaters and boilers are now joined by high-efficiency hydronics systems. Radiant floor heating systems operate more efficiently than forced air systems because of their ability to operate at a lower air temperature than forced air heat. This can reduce annual energy costs even further, with an average savings of 15 to 50 percent depending on the system design.

“Today, when it comes to designing cost-effective heating systems, the question builders need to ask themselves is ‘How low can I go?’” said M. Scott Gregg, author of the white paper and a Master Plumber with over 20 years experience in plumbing and HVAC field installation. “The paper introduces builders to radiant heating system design concepts that can deliver comfort while creating real value for a builder. Understanding these system designs is important in that builders can build homes that sell faster and qualify for energy tax credits.”

Radiant heating systems are increasingly popular with homebuilders. A survey conducted last year by the by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Research Center on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council found that 23 percent of builders surveyed were planning to “increase” or “greatly increase” their use of radiant floor systems this year. Intent to use radiant heating systems was strongest in the Northeast, where 40 percent of respondents said they were likely to install more radiant floor systems, followed by the Midwest (31 percent) and the Western U.S. (23 percent).

One of the primary issues affecting purchasing decisions may be the price of electric appliances compared to propane appliances. The white paper examines total lifecycle costs of high-efficiency propane heating systems to help homebuilders understand how quickly upfront costs are recovered through reduced annual energy bills.  

“There is virtually no reason why homes off the main shouldn’t be using propane to provide hot water and fuel hydronics systems,” added Gregg. “If one of the barriers is related to aesthetic issues related to a propane tank, that solution is simple – work with your propane marketer to install the tank underground.”  

Underground tanks are increasingly popular. Constructed of heavy steel and painted with a mastic coating to prevent corrosion, tanks are buried on a lot with the only evidence of the tank being a small dome with filling connections just inches above the ground. Underground tanks can be placed just about anywhere on the lot. Generally, 500-gallon tanks easily accommodate an average four-bedroom home. Today, entire developments are using underground storage systems, with centralized systems that feature a gas main and metered access to propane.

To obtain a free copy of the white paper, please visit www.usepropane.com/buildwithpropane
or contact Tracy Burleson at 202.452.8975