Top Considerations When Buying and Installing Water Heater Systems
by Nicholas Chambers
Water heaters are a must-have in a home because of the convenience and efficiency they provide in heating water for showering, dishwashing and laundry. Water heaters are becoming more and more energy-efficient to save homeowners some cash. You have the option of choosing either electrical or natural gas-powered models or even a hybrid type. Homeowners who prefer to go an extra mile can consider a tankless unit. Here are some top considerations for you to keep in mind when buying and installing water heater systems.
Capacity — Water heater tanks have an average storage capacity of 150 to 200 litres or more. Homeowners should choose the correct sizing for installation based on the number of occupants in the home. Another factor that your plumber will tell you to bear in mind is the peak water usage. For example, a family of five people can use at least 400 litres of water daily for taking showers, doing laundry, and running the dishwasher several times. However, it does not imply that you need to install a 400-litre storage tank. Notably, you must consider the number of litres a water heater yields in one hour for a realistic estimate of capacity requirements.
Efficiency — You need to consider the efficiency of your system when buying a water heater. For instance, smaller water tanks have a lower efficiency compared to large capacity tanks. However, their efficiency is affected by the technology that is used for heating — either condensing or heat pumping. For homeowners who wish to install tankless water heaters, the efficiency metric to look for is the litres per minute rating. The rating refers to the amount of water in litres that a heater delivers in a particular period. A higher value implies that your system will provide more hot water per minute, thereby making it very efficient. Most importantly, a home with many occupants requires a system with a high rating to deliver hot water in multiple areas simultaneously.
Warranty — Before buying and installing a hot water system, ensure that a warranty covers it. Typically, you will find warranty periods ranging from 3 to 12 years. Note that longer-warranty water heater models will cost you more, but they have added benefits compared to their shorter-warranty counterparts. For example, most water heater models with extended warranties come with thicker insulation that prevents excessive heat loss, which makes the unit more energy efficient. Also, such models have large burners or longer elements that increase the speed of heating water.
Be sure to keep all of these things in mind when you are searching for a hot water system for your home.
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About Me
If I didn't know better, I'd think my toddler started each day with a challenge to throw something new and different down the toilet. He has managed to put nearly anything can imagine down the toilet. I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what has gone missing down the loo and whether it's something I can fix or something that I need to call the plumber to help me fix it. This blog is for other mums of toddlers who need to get toys out of the toilet and get the toilet back to working condition as soon as possible!