The Tribune

By Joshua Key

SuperGreen Solutions Bahamas

According to the US Department of Energy, 35 per cent of the average home’s electricity bill is generated from water heating. Reducing this will make the Bahamas a little greener, and save money.

Why does water heating cost so much? Regular water heaters are simply inefficient because they must heat water over and over again. Whether you are paying for BEC or gas, the process is the same. Imagine that you want a hot breakfast tomorrow. Would you heat the food 10 or 15 times today? It does not make sense, but we do that all the time just so we can enjoy a hot shower in the morning.

Let us weigh the ‘pros and cons’ of a few greener choices that save us money. What other options do we have?

One of the easiest is to use a timer. These can have mixed results. Some people have predictable schedules and only need hot water at specific times of the day. Timers allow the heater to run only for part of the day, potentially saving money.

On the other hand, the heater must work longer and harder to heat water when the timer clicks in, because the water will have cooled much more than without the timer. Similarly, if you ever want hot water when the timer has not been on, you will be out of luck.

A more convenient green option uses the sun to heat water for free – solar water heaters. This tried and true technology has been in use for decades. In the tropical Bahamas, the sun comes up every day and solar heaters produce warm water, even during winter. On the other hand, solar water heaters can cost as much as a small solar system and require an installer with specialised knowledge. If you choose this option, be sure to work with a professional who can properly size and design your system.

Instead of going with bulky solar installs, perhaps you would consider a tankless water heater. No heating water all day and night: It only heats water when you require it. For a home with just one or two people, a compact tankless heater is a strong option to consider. However, since tankless systems must instantly heat the water, they use tremendous energy and are not recommended for homes with multiple people. Likewise, a filter on the water coming into your home is essential; otherwise our hard Bahamian water may quickly ruin the tankless unit.

Finally, let us consider hybrid water heaters. Using compressed air technology instead of a regular resistor in a typical heater, hybrid technology reduces heating costs by 80-90 per cent. Hybrid heaters are also easy to install. Any technician who can install a regular heater can install a hybrid water heater; no specialised knowledge is necessary.

That said, hybrid heaters come in one size – 50 gallons. They must also be installed where there is sufficient ventilation, such as in a garage with windows or under a covered patio. If your home fits this scope, a hybrid heater is definitely worth looking into.

Imagine taking 35 per cent of your electric bill and making it virtually disappear. There are green options to make that your reality. Find a qualified professional to help you stop wasting money on inefficient heating today.

• NB: Joshua Key is general manager for SuperGreen Solutions Bahamas, located on Wulff Road next to FYP. SuperGreen Solutions is one of the premier advisors, suppliers and installers of domestic and commercial energy efficient solutions.