How to Lower Energy Bills with a High-Efficiency Water Heater in Davis, CA
In Davis, we all feel it when the utility bill creeps up, especially with how much energy water heaters use behind the scenes. For most homes, they’re one of the biggest energy drains, and if your system’s outdated, it’s likely costing you more than it should.
That’s why switching to a high-efficiency water heater can be a smart move for better energy efficiency and long-term savings. Whether it’s a heat pump, tankless, or just a newer electric model, the right upgrade can lower your energy use and help bring those monthly costs down.
We’ll walk through the different types of efficient water heaters, what makes them better, and how they can help you save energy without giving up comfort. If you’ve been thinking about an upgrade, now’s a good time to take a closer look.
Why Your Water Heater Might Be Running Up Your Energy Bill
Most people don’t think much about their water heater until something goes wrong. But if your energy bill keeps climbing and you can’t quite figure out why, that tank in the garage or tucked in the closet might be the culprit. Traditional water heaters heat a big batch of water and keep it hot all day, whether you need it or not. That means it’s burning through energy just to sit there and wait.
And the older your system is, the more waste you’re likely dealing with. Over time, minerals build up at the bottom, the insulation wears down, and the parts just don’t run like they used to. So not only is it using energy when no one’s even using hot water—it’s working harder to do it. That’s when things start getting expensive.
It’s not always obvious, but that steady hum of energy use adds up. If your system’s been around a while, or if your hot water doesn’t last like it used to, chances are it’s pulling more power than it needs to—and your energy bill’s picking up the tab.
High-Efficiency Water Heater Options That Can Actually Make a Dent in Your Energy Bill
Now that we’ve covered how your water heater affects your energy costs, let’s talk about smarter water heating solutions that actually save money. If you’re thinking about replacing an old unit, here are three solid high-efficiency options we often recommend to homeowners in Davis—and why they’re worth a look.
1. Tankless Water Heaters
We get asked about these a lot—and for good reason. Tankless water heaters, sometimes called on-demand systems, only heat water when you need it. So instead of keeping a big tank of water hot all day (and night), it kicks on when you turn the tap and shuts off when you’re done. That cuts out standby energy loss and makes it one of the more energy efficient options out there.
Most tankless models run on either electricity or natural gas, so we’ll help you figure out which setup makes the most sense for your home.
If your household doesn’t go through tons of hot water every day, you could see a noticeable drop in your energy bill. Even larger families can benefit when the system’s sized right.
2. Heat Pump Water Heaters
These are a game-changer for folks with electric water heaters. Instead of generating heat directly, a heat pump water heater pulls heat from the air around it and transfers that into the water tank. It’s a weird concept at first, but it works—and it’s incredibly efficient. Some models use two-thirds less energy than older electric resistance units.
On top of that, during the hot Davis summer, these systems can even help cool and dehumidify the space around them a bit. It’s like getting bonus comfort along with your energy savings.
3. Solar Water Heaters
If you’ve already got solar panels — or you’re thinking about going that route—solar water heaters are worth considering. These systems use sunlight to heat your water directly, which can seriously cut your energy use. Yes, the upfront cost is a bit higher, but the long-term savings can be huge, especially around here where sunshine’s never in short supply.
Plus, there are often rebates and federal tax credits available to help with the install costs. If you’re aiming for a clean energy home, this option checks a lot of boxes.
Picking the Right High-Efficiency Water Heater for Your Home
We get it—shopping for a new water heater isn’t exactly exciting. But if your old one’s driving up your energy bill or struggling to keep up with the hot water demand, it’s worth getting it right the first time. That’s where we come in.
At Yolo Plumbing Inc., we’ve helped plenty of Davis homeowners figure out what system actually fits—not just their house, but the way they live.
Here’s what we look at when we’re helping you decide:
- How many people live in the house? Bigger families use more hot water, so you’ll need something that can keep up without running out or driving up your bill.
- What kind of fuel are you working with—gas, electric, or solar? If you’ve got an older gas water heater, upgrading could mean serious savings.
- Do you have space? Some setups take up more room than others. We’ll take a look at your existing setup and see what’ll actually fit without turning your garage or utility closet into a tight squeeze.
- What’s the budget? Some of these high-efficiency models cost more upfront but save you more over time. We’ll walk through the trade-offs with you—no pressure, just facts.
- Are there rebates or tax credits available? A lot of folks don’t realize they qualify for incentives that can help cover part of the cost. We’ll help you figure that out too.
Bottom line—this isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll help you sort through the noise, make sure the system you pick is actually worth it, and install it the right way so you’re not dealing with surprises later.
Getting the Most Out of Your High-Efficiency Water Heater
Upgrading your water heater is a great first step—but if you really want to squeeze every bit of savings out of your energy bill, there are a few other things you can do around the house that make a big difference.
- Wrap those pipes. Hot water loses heat on the way to your faucet, especially if your pipes aren’t insulated. Adding pipe insulation is a quick, low-cost fix that keeps your water hotter, longer—and helps your heater work a little less.
- Stop the drips. A leaky faucet or a slow-dripping showerhead might not seem like much, but over time, that’s a lot of hot water going straight down the drain. Fixing those small leaks can save more than you think.
- Use low-flow fixtures. Swapping in low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators cuts down on hot water use without making your showers feel weak. You’ll use less water, less energy, and still get the job done.
- Set the temp right. Cranking your water heater up too high doesn’t do much besides waste energy and raise the risk of burns. We usually recommend keeping it at 120°F—plenty hot for everyday use, and easier on your energy costs.
Doing these things alongside your water heater upgrade can really stretch those energy savings. It’s all about the little habits and fixes that add up over time—and we’re always here if you want help getting it dialed in.
Trust Yolo Plumbing Inc. for Your High-Efficiency Water Heater Needs
Thinking about making the switch to a high-efficiency water heater? We’ve helped a lot of Davis homeowners do just that—no pressure, no hard sell, just honest advice and solid work from start to finish.
At Yolo Plumbing Inc., we’ll help you figure out what kind of system makes sense for your home, get it installed right, and make sure it runs the way it’s supposed to. Our team knows these systems inside and out, and we take pride in doing the job right the first time.
If you’re ready to save on your energy bills—and stop worrying about whether you’ve got enough hot water—get in touch with us. We’re here, we’re local, and we’re ready when you are.