Three Points to Consider Before Changing a Water Heater
Hot water is a necessary component in any household whether you are washing the dishes or taking a shower in the morning. A good heating system can run for a decade or longer. Not all, however, are created equally. Before you swap out your old water heater and install a new system, or before you call the plumber, run through these three questions first.
- What type of system do I need?
Heating systems are not just gas and electric anymore. With the rise of solar power, there has been a boom in the market but it does not suit everyone. Electric systems are cheap to install; gas can be cheaper to run while solar is touted as environmentally friendly.
- Will it fit in my home?
Water capacity, tank size and solar panel size are not regularly given much thought but are important if you want an efficient system that would be well-suited to your house. Water tanks can be hidden out of sight around the back of the house or in the garage. The bigger tanks for electric water heating can hold up to 300 litres while a 130 to 170 litre tank for gas heating is standard in a four-person household. Solar panel sizes require more thought, as the roof needs to have the right layout to fit the system.
- What are the costs?
Electric heating is more expensive in terms of running costs and solar, while cheap to run, is pricey to install. It comes down to how many people are living in the home, if there is a set budget for installation and how much it will cost you to use in the long run. Some systems cost anywhere between $300 – $2000, not including installation!
Hot water is a necessity for living comfortably. It keeps us warm in winter and even gets pumped into the pool in the backyard (if you have the right system). Thorough research is recommended along with a conversation with your contractor, and having your sights set on the long term rather than a quick fix will save money-related headaches.
