Every time you change a light bulb, replace it with a compact fluorescent
On-Demand Water Heaters
Most houses have a hot-water tank that is constantly fired up, keeping 40 to 80 gallons ready for the next shower or laundry load. By contrast, on-demand water heaters don't use a tank. Instead they employ a powerful burner to heat water only when needed. The result is up to 34 percent greater efficiency, according to a report by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. (The heaters cost from $200 to $500 more than a traditional system.) On-demand heaters also save space because they are small and wall-mounted (about the size of a household electrical circuit box). And they cut down on landfill waste, which is where old water tanks end up. Wilson recommends gas-fired models with an electronic ignition device; avoid pilot lights, which waste gas. "It's important to get the right size heater for your home and lifestyle," he says. This is a job for a heating professional, or your gas company. Visit
nahbrc.com or
Bosch Water Heaters for more information.