Pre tank makes a big difference. If water is 40 to 50 coming out of the ground instead of 70's room temp, it takes a lot more energy to heat. I use this set up. On my second (electric) tank, I have a thermo siphon set up with a loop in the wood burner. If you have a wood burner this is a good way to save more energy.
Both tanks are in same room as wood burner. First one is just pre tank to help bring up to room temp.
The second tank is electric. I use electric when not heating with wood burner. Considering solar set up for non heating season.
This set up makes plenty of hot water for my normal use. 2 people. When I have company for snowmobiling, I kick on the electric to keep up with demand supplemented by the wood still.
Here is the design I used. (provided by
www.hilkoil.com) This is where I purchased the stainless steel loop to install in the wood burner.
My electric water heater costs close to 50$ a month to run. This has paid for it self time and time again.
First best thing I did to save energy in my home was the wood burner.
Second is this water heater set up.
Hope you find this info useful.
