Hot water tanks are essential for every home; they help us perform daily tasks like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. When it’s time for a new hot water heater, you might be tempted to bargain shop – these appliances come with a hefty price tag, so shopping for a deal is tempting. But be warned: buying the wrong hot water heater for your home might leave you shivering in a cold shower and paying more for your utility bills.
- What capacity of water heater do you need? The capacity of a hot water tank refers to how fast it can heat water and how much it can hold. What you need will depend on how many people are living there, the size of your house, and the amount of water that you use. The number of bathrooms and appliances in your home also warrants a greater capacity. Do you find yourself frequently running out of hot water? If so, consider upgrading the capacity from your previous model.
- What fuel source does it use? It’s most convenient to choose a new hot water heater with the same fuel source as your existing one, although it is possible to change it (but it will cost more). Electric water heaters are affordable, but not energy-efficient. A commonly used fuel source is gas or propane – they’re more expensive, but offer energy-efficient capabilities. You can also opt for a heat pump or hybrid heater; they have the greatest upfront cost, but the savings you’ll see on utility bills will make up for that.
- How big is it? You might have found the perfect model, only to discover that your boiler room doesn’t have space for it. Avoid this disaster by measuring the dimensions of the location you plan to put your hot water heater in. Lowboys or short water heaters can be purchased to accommodate limited spaces.
- Is it energy-efficient? Energy-efficient hot water heaters are good for the environment and your monthly bill. The unit you choose should have an energy-star certified symbol on it. Alternatively, look at the energy factor rating, which tells you how efficiently it uses energy to create heat. You may be eligible for a low-interest loan in Manitoba if you choose an energy-efficient model.
- Which type of water heater is right for you? Keep all of these factors in mind when choosing the type of water heater for your home. Whether you choose a storage tank (stores more litres of water, but takes up space), a tankless (produces water on-demand), a heat pump or hybrid (uses 60% less energy than electric models) or a condensing water heater (can hold 208 litres/55 gallons of water) will depend on the unique needs of your home.
Once you purchase your new hot water heater, you can enjoy the luxury of warm water again. Hot baths, steamy showers, and fresh laundry are within your reach. Make sure your furnace maintenance is up to date! Call Provincial Heating and Cooling; our service technicians provide repairs, maintenance, and installation of HVAC.