Chapter 7 Further Reading: Hot Water Systems
Books and Guides
1. "Water Heater Workbook" by Larry and Suzanne Weingarten The Weingartes have spent decades studying water heater lifespan and maintenance and run the Water Heater Rescue website. Their workbook is the most thorough DIY-focused guide to water heater maintenance available, covering anode rods in granular detail, different failure modes by manufacturer and model, and troubleshooting flowcharts for virtually every symptom. If you're serious about maintaining your water heater yourself, this is the one book to own.
2. "The Complete Guide to Plumbing" by Black & Decker Covered in Chapter 6's further reading, but worth noting again here: the water heater sections include step-by-step illustrated instructions for replacing a T&P valve, replacing an anode rod, and replacing an entire water heater. Good companion to the Weingarten workbook for the visual learner.
3. "Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings" by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi A comprehensive guide to residential energy efficiency, including a substantial section on water heating that covers insulation, pipe losses, solar water heating, and system optimization. Less a how-to guide than an analytical framework for understanding where energy is lost and how to recover it. Particularly useful for homeowners doing deep energy retrofits.
Online Resources
4. Water Heater Rescue — waterheatersrescue.com The Weingartes' website is the single best online resource for water heater owners. The "Plumbing & Water Heaters" forum has decades of archived troubleshooting threads. The serial number decoder covers every major brand. The anode rod guides include photographs of depleted vs. healthy rods. Bookmark this before you need it.
5. ENERGY STAR Water Heater Buying Guide — energystar.gov ENERGY STAR's water heater section includes a comparison of all certified models, an explanation of the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) metric, and tools for estimating annual operating cost by fuel type and local energy prices. The interactive cost calculator is particularly useful when comparing a heat pump water heater to your current unit.
6. DSIRE — Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency — dsireusa.org The authoritative database of federal, state, utility, and local incentives for energy-efficient equipment. Search for "heat pump water heater" in your state to find every available rebate and tax incentive. This changes frequently as utility programs evolve, so check current listings rather than relying on static information.
7. Energy.gov Heat Pump Water Heater Resources — energy.gov The Department of Energy's pages on heat pump water heaters provide unbiased guidance on sizing, installation requirements, and cost comparisons. The DOE has a financial interest in promoting efficient technology but also has a mandate for accuracy — their guidance on minimum air volume requirements and COP ratings is reliable. Start here before visiting manufacturer websites.
Safety Resources
8. NFPA 58 and NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) These are the primary national standards governing the installation and operation of gas appliances, including water heaters. They are technical documents, not consumer guides, but knowing they exist is useful: when a contractor tells you something about gas line sizing or venting clearances, these standards are the authoritative basis for those requirements. Available from the National Fire Protection Association; your local public library may have reference copies.
9. "Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers" — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Improper gas water heater installation or maintenance can result in CO production and backdrafting. The CPSC's guidance on carbon monoxide sources, symptoms, and prevention is brief, readable, and authoritative. Relevant to any homeowner with gas appliances. Free download from cpsc.gov.
Utility and Rebate Navigation
10. Your Utility's Rebate Page Go to your electric or gas utility's website and search for "rebate" or "appliance rebate." The specific programs available vary enormously by utility — some offer $200–$600 for heat pump water heaters, others nothing. Some require pre-approval before purchase; others process claims after the fact. Knowing what your utility offers before you purchase is essential to maximizing incentives.
11. Home Innovation Research Labs (HomeInnovation.org) — Plumbing Product Guides A research organization affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders that provides testing and certification services for building products. Their research on water heater failure modes, installation quality, and product comparison is occasionally available as publicly accessible white papers. Useful for understanding the technical basis behind manufacturer claims.
12. Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) — Electrification Resources The Rocky Mountain Institute publishes accessible guides on residential electrification, including the case for heat pump water heaters in the context of broader home electrification. Their work is particularly relevant for homeowners considering upgrading from gas to electric as part of a longer-term plan to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Available at rmi.org.