Are you planning to replace your old hot water system? If so, you must carefully think through the replacement process. Hot water is a basic need in most homes. Therefore, you need a reliable, efficient and budget-friendly system. Evaluating your old water heater and the inefficiencies it suffered can help you choose a better unit. As you plan the replacement project, consider these three questions to help you choose the most reliable unit for your home.
1. What are your hot water needs?
Before buying a new hot water system, outline your current hot water needs. Changes in family dynamics can affect a water heater's reliability. For example, you may have bought your old heater when you had a two-people household. If you currently have a four-people home, you may need a bigger water heater.
Similarly, if you have additional hot water fixtures, you need a system that can handle the demand. Thus, don't replace your heater with one of a similar capacity. If your needs have changed, invest in a bigger unit to maximise reliability and efficiency. Your plumber can conduct an audit and help you choose an appropriately-sized water heater for your home.
2. What is your water heater budget?
When replacing a hot water system, homeowners have the opportunity to make major changes and upgrades to their hot water systems. These changes include switching to a different fuel source and retrofitting the existing system. However, you should consider whether your budget can accommodate the changes.
For example, switching from an electric heater to a gas water heater may be costly as you have to install gas connections. Conversely, switching from a gas heater to an electric unit is affordable and seamless. However, if you intend to install multiple instant water heaters around the house, you may pay more for the installations. Before you replace the heater, ask your contractor to provide a quote so you can assess the project scope and costs against your budget.
3. What are your energy savings goals?
Old hot water systems lose efficiency over time, and they can significantly hike your annual energy bill. If you are spending a lot of money on water heating, evaluate your savings goals when shopping for a new heater — many hot water systems on the market have a high energy efficiency rating. The most efficient units may cost more than their less efficient counterparts, but they can generate significant annual energy savings. Therefore, keep this in mind when you compare the different water heaters on the market.
A hot water system is one of the most used systems in a home. Therefore, you should invest in a reliable and efficient unit. If you need a hot water system replacement, contact a plumbing contractor.
