Ever been in the shower and gotten blasted with cold water? That is not comfortable, especially in the winter. And of course, high energy bills, too. Finding the right and reliable water heater, like the ones offered by Rapid Hot Water, will not only provide you with instantly heated water but also lower energy bills. Here are some tips on how to get the best of both worlds.
Tips for finding the right solution for water heating
Whether you must deal with a broken heater or an inefficient, finding the right one can be a tedious task. Here are some tips on how to avoid guesswork and/or try to fix an inefficient unit.
- Figure out the fuel source.
- Pick a few heaters after doing research online.
- Based on family size, figure out what capacity you will need.
- Is there enough space to mount the new unit?
The first step is to determine whether your heater will be powered by electricity or gas. Once this is done, you will be able to pick the right one to get it fixed at your home. Electric heaters, like the ones offered by Rapid Hot Water, use elements to heat water and are less expensive. There are quite a few high-efficiency models that you can choose and have a capacity of 120-200 litres.
Gas heaters, on the other hand, need a burner to do the job and air circulation for efficient operation. These are more energy-efficient compared to electric heaters but need a special spot for installation. Heating capacity is 30-100 gallons. You can also choose a hybrid heater which uses ambient air to heat water. It is more expensive than the other two but more energy efficient. The capacity is on the low side though – just 150 to 300 litres.
Types of water heaters
Keep your family size in mind and how many guests you are expecting to visit. This will help you pick one.
- Storage tank heaters are the most common. Water is stored, after being heated, in an insulated tank. Available models are electric, propane, and natural gas. Check out the specs and available space before buying.
- On-demand heaters: These heaters don’t have a storage tank. Water is heated as it flows over coils in the unit. Since water is heated on an as-needed basis, it is more energy-efficient and takes up less space. Available in electric, natural gas, and LPG versions.
- Point of use heaters: This is a good choice when hot water is needed quickly in small spaces like shops, outbuildings, and garages. These can heat only up to 70 litres at a time.
If your bathroom cannot accommodate a standard-sized heater, there are other units you can choose from. You will need the dimensions of the space where the heater will be mounted, how close it is to the energy source etc. before finding the right one for your needs.
Other aspects to keep in mind
While researching the available heating options, make sure that you look for the following features.
- Energy efficiency should be an important requirement. More and more manufacturers are offering energy-efficient units so that water is heated fast and consumers save on bills. Make sure that the unit you are considering has a low energy use rating as well.
- Newer water heaters have features which intuitively adjust temperature and other aspects based on the pattern of use.
- WiFi capability: Manufacturers now include WiFi capability to heaters also so that they can become part of a smart home seamlessly. This makes it easy to program off and on requirements and forget about it.
To meet your needs, manufacturers like Rapid Hot Water offer energy-efficient units with lots of features. Find the right one for your home – whether it is a new unit or an upgrade and avoid unpleasant surprises like cold showers.