Water heaters are extremely important in any home – which is why homeowners should know exactly when to install a new one before the old unit decided to take its last breath. In fact, it might be best to time replacement during home remodeling to ensure that the new unit would be able to fit well with the overall design. However, considering the difference between past and present water heaters, it isn’t surprising if most home owners are unsure about what to purchase. That being said, following are some tips on how to choose the best heaters for home improvement.
What type of heater?
There are several types of heaters being sold in the market today. These include tank less types, heat pump heaters or solar heaters. Decide on what type of power the heater would be running on although for better results, it might be best to choose a model capable of running on various power sources. On-demand heaters are also a good choice since they manage to conserve energy for the homeowner. Since there are so many types, it might be best to inquire sellers about the available ones, their features, drawbacks and cost.
How energy efficient is the unit?
With the current cost of electricity nowadays, it isn’t surprising that more and more people want to save on their power use. Hence, look for a unit that burns off as little energy as possible. The ultimate choice for this consideration is the solar heater which harnesses the power of the sun, hence largely cutting back on the electricity cost.
Of course, various units today come with the Energy Efficient stamp so just look for them in any unit. Check out the EF of (Energy Factor) of the model which is usually provided in the guide. The higher the rating, the better would its capacity in saving energy would be.
What is the first hour rating (FHR)?
The FHR is also provided in the user guide of the unit. This basically refers to the capacity of the heater to provide hot water even if the demand for water in the household is at its peak. For example, if there are two bathrooms and all of them are being used, how efficient would the unit be in providing hot liquid to the users? Estimate the amount and look for an FHR near the amount. For those who are thinking about expanding their home, make room for a bigger FHR to avoid purchasing a new one in case of expansion.
Keep in mind that cheap water heaters are usually the ones that burn off more energy. Hence, try to find the most expensive one within budget and be assured of expense savings for the future day. Don’t forget to hire a professional to assess the general plumbing of the place for maximum usage. As much as possible try to get the input of professionals or someone knowledgeable in the task. This would make it easier in the long run as well as get informed data about the project.