fed up

[brad wilton]

why is it every time i read about some new electricity reducing system for heating and hot water,they are never really made to work in cold climates properly where it would be a real benefit. thanks for letting me vent

 

[johnny1720]

I was spending $70 per month or $840 year with a electric 50 gallon tank. At that time it was 2 adults. I converted to a tankless propane in 2009 and cut that down to $400 per year.

The family has grown since 2009 and i only spend about $500 per year, and I pay nearly $4.00 per gallon of propane. This sounds expensive but I often power wash my vehicles with hot water. I have used the unlimited hot water to melt the ice off the roof of my home.

So it is possible to save money but it requires an investment.

 

[johnny1720]

I also have a "buffer" tank that preheats the water feeding into my tankless. In the winter when my heat pump runs all the time it makes the buffer tank 115 degrees. In the summer the tank hold 50 gallons of water that comes up to 50 or 60 degree.

I hope that help

 

[jebatty]

why is it every time i read about some new electricity reducing system for heating and hot water,they are never really made to work in cold climates properly where it would be a real benefit. thanks for letting me vent

I can understand your frustration, but I hope you realize the answer lies in your assumption that there actually can be a "new electricity reducing system for heating and hot water." Two technologies exist: electric resistance and electric heat pump. Resistance provides 3412 btu/kwh and heat pump can perform on a btu output of around 3 times that (COP=3) under the right conditions, but problematical where it is cold. Apply that to $/kwh and fuel choice cost and all the rest is math, except ....

The best and most cost effective way to deal with cold is insulation and conserve. Regarding hot water, wife and I cut our electric usage by 50% for a regular resistance electric hot water tank by insulating all hot water pipes, super insulating the tank, and installing effective heat traps. Cost of this was less than $100. We use on average 100 kwh/mo for electric hot water, and that's where reducing usage (conservation) pays big dividends.

Only magicians can use magic, we have to rely on logic and physics. End the frustration, don't look for magic, and run the numbers. Cost savings are possible and can be significant.

 

[iamlucky13]

The short summary is: because where it is cold is where heat is hardest to get.

Some two stage or inverter powered heat pumps might do better than you think. That might be your best bet. Ground source heat pumps could also be an option if you have a big lot, but they cost a lot up front.

I was spending $70 per month or $840 year with a electric 50 gallon tank. At that time it was 2 adults. I converted to a tankless propane in 2009 and cut that down to $400 per year.

Is that just what you estimate you were spending on water heating? Or is that your average electric bill, and at what rate?