water heating and bath remodeling

A bath remodel is a good time to improve the way the bathroom water is heated and to get energy and water savings.

Minimum improvements

Any bath remodel should at least involve the insulation of the pipe system and - i the case of a storage water heater, the installation of an insulating jacket over the storage tank...

Insulating jacket

Storage tank insulating jackets cost little ($10-$20) and can reduce the heat lost through its walls by 25%-40% - a considerable water heating saving (5% or more, in typical cases).

Insulation

If your remodel involves installing new pipes or making water pipes accessible, considerer their insulation. Insulating hot-water pipes and installing anti-convection valves is inexpensive and reduce energy losses.

Pay special attention to bathroom plumbing - a common pathway to air leakage.

Also do not forget to seal and insulate the bathroom exterior walls before installing bath tubes, or to insulate – for several feet - the cold water feed to the heater.

See for details: Bathtubs and plumbing sealing and insulation

New water heaters vs. older ones

New water heaters are much more energy-efficient than ancient ones. New technologies make them much more efficient.

See: Water heaters basics

Other options

If your bath remodel includes other parts of the building and your global heating system, there are other alternatives besides simply replacing the water heaters or improving the bathroom water heating sysem. Solar water heating systems and heat pumps, namely the geothermal, are between the best.