Gas Water Heater Energy Losses

Publication Type

Report

Date Published

01/2009

Authors

Abstract

A forty gallon residential gas-fired storage water heater was modeled under Department of Energy test procedure conditions using the TANK simulation program. The purpose was to determine heat flows in a typical residential storage water heater that meets the current minimum efficiency standards. Modeling showed that, without considering a condensing water heater design, the greatest potential efficiency gains can be made by reducing flue losses during the non-firing, non-recovery mode, i.e., during standby mode. The stack losses while in standby mode account for about 43% of heat losses (not including the energy added to deliver hot water), and 17% if hot water energy is included.

Year of Publication

2009

Organization

Research Areas

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