Water heaters can become inefficient and costly, but new technology makes balancing comfort, sustainability, and affordability easier than ever
In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the link between climate-conscious operations and cost efficiency is clearer than ever. And across the Middle East, the race to net zero is well underway.
Ambitious national targets, such as the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, are transforming regional approaches to sustainable energy usage. These initiatives are set to reduce CO2 emissions by millions of tons annually – and, in doing so, are ultimately encouraging residents across the region to save on their energy output.
Today, consumers, businesses and building owners alike are embracing innovative solutions to support regional sustainability targets while cutting their bills. Requests for home energy audits in Qatar have doubled since 2020 as more residents seek ways to identify and reduce energy wastage, while in the UAE there has been a 20% increase in the purchase of energy-efficient appliances over the past five years.
In the increasingly hot and arid climates of the Middle East, a water heater may not be the first appliance we think of when it comes to optimizing efficiency – however, on average, water heating accounts for 18% of a household’s energy usage, with figures for commercial energy usage varying depending on the size and type of facility. After air conditioning, this is typically the second-largest energy expense. So, for those seeking to operate more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings, choosing the right water heater is a crucial consideration.
Although a less efficient model may be cheaper to purchase, it can quickly become a significant drain on both the planet and its owner’s pocket. This is due in part to higher energy bills – an underperforming water heater typically consumes 15-30% more energy compared to an energy-efficient model – which translates to millions of dollars in unnecessary energy expenses annually across the region.
An inefficient water heater can also result in greater, and more frequent, maintenance costs due to a higher risk of breakdowns, as well as a shorter unit lifespan. When properly cared for, a unit can last up to 15-20 years. However, inefficient, standard water heaters can have operational lifespans of as little as six years, leading to more frequent – and costly – replacements.
So, what can be done to ensure that a water heater performs as efficiently as possible? Beyond regular scheduled maintenance, it pays to invest in transformative new technologies.
One such innovation is heat pump technology.
In recent years, there has been a global drive towards the use of heat pumps for both domestic and commercial heating and cooling solutions. Unlike traditional water heaters, which rely solely on electricity or gas to heat a water supply, heat pump water heaters use a vapor compression cycle. This system extracts heat from either the ambient air or the chiller return water to transfer low-grade heat energy into hot water. This makes heat pump water heaters a particularly effective solution in hotter climates such as the Middle East, because both efficiency and performance increase with the ambient air temperature.
The use of surrounding heat energy means that the energy source itself is effectively free, and the only energy consumed drives the electrical components of the appliance. And this means that heat pump water heaters can be significantly more energy and cost-efficient than conventional water heaters.
For example, with up to 4.07 UEF ( Uniform Energy Factor), Rheem’s Proterra Hybrid Electric Water Heater is the most efficient water heater on the market. It not only uses 75% less energy than a standard electric water heater, but it also requires less energy to operate than a classic 100-watt incandescent lightbulb. This ultimately translates into significant long-term energy and cost savings, as well as zero onsite emissions and fewer greenhouse gases.
Another hugely beneficial innovation in water heater technology is the growing adoption of smart home technology. Devices which leverage IoT and WiFi integrations are playing an increasingly important role in both domestic and commercial applications, empowering users to use energy more consciously.
From the comfort and convenience of an app interface, ‘smart’ water heaters make it easy to control and monitor the appliance’s energy consumption, and also take proactive steps to optimize usage. From adjusting the water temperature, to adjusting operational modes and schedules, this technology enables users to save money and energy from anywhere, at any time.
These systems can also deliver enhanced maintenance support, as they provide advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting for installers and maintenance engineers. This helps expedite service, address issues more efficiently and prevent small repairs from snowballing into larger, more severe maintenance concerns.
So, as our home devices become increasingly connected to wider, smarter operating systems, integrating IoT and WiFi capabilities into water heaters helps to strike a balance between occupant comfort and cost savings. Additionally, the scheduling feature allows you to set turn-on and turn-off times, which ultimately saves energy.
By prioritizing investment in more efficient water heating innovations, such as heat pumps and smart technology, businesses and homeowners alike stand to benefit in the long term. From reduced energy bills, to fewer maintenance and upgrade requirements, these cutting-edge technologies translate into better value for money, and a greater return on investment. And because the long-term energy cost of a home appliance is intrinsically linked to long-term environmental cost, these energy-saving strategies are not only contributing towards financial efficiency today, but also a more stable and affordable energy future.
Originally written by Brian Hempenstall, Managing Director at Rheem Middle East. Edited by Vibha Mehta.