Water heaters: Make smart decisions and save

If you are buying a new water heater, select a natural gas water heater if possible. Gas heats water at about half the cost of electricity and twice as fast.

• Focus on Energy has cash-back rewards for qualifying water heaters and for switching from electric to gas water heating. Visit focusonenergy.com or call 1-800-762-7077 for more information on these incentives.

Are you a candidate for an on-demand unit?

• On-demand water heaters work immediately but don’t store hot water. They can save about 25% in gas costs—about $40 to $70 a year—in a typical household. However, their installed cost can be about $1,000 more than tank-style heaters.

If you have an electric water heater, MGE offers a time-of-use rate option that could save energy costs if you mostly use your large electric appliances (water heater, clothes dryer, dehumidifier) on weekends or weekdays between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m.

• Call the MGE Energy Line at (608) 252-7117 with any questions or to request a copy of our Water Heaters booklet.

Or download a PDF version at your convenience online at mge.com/brochures.