Water heating takes up nearly twenty percent of the household budget, and in terms of costs, this puts it right after cooling and heating a space. And if you have been spending more of your time at home recently due to the pandemic, there is no denying that all these costs have shot up. Thus, you should not buy just any water heater if you want to replace the old one you have or are purchasing a heater for the first time.
You need something more efficient in terms of its operation and energy consumption. Now, most of the modern-day heaters are pretty energy efficient, but that’s not the only quality you need to consider. Here’s a detailed water heater buying guide to help you. For further information about water heater installation, visit AHWA.
Different types of water heaters found in the market
You love options, right? The good news is that the niche sector of water heaters offers loads of options for you to select. Based on your convenience and needs, you can choose a suitable heater for your home.
1. Storage water heater
The most classic and basic heaters are storage water heaters. These products have a capacity of six liters and above. They are widely utilized for domestic purposes. They are called storage water heaters because the storage tanks are installed right inside the appliances. Moreover, they can store hot water for a long time without electricity, which allows homeowners to use them when needed.
2. Instant water heater
An instant water heater is a high-powered appliance that can heat water instantly. Now, these water heaters have a capacity of one to three liters and tend to be compact. The product is well suited for small kitchens and bathrooms where space is limited.
3. Solar water heater
A solar water heater is environmentally friendly and promotes sustainability. It uses a solar thermal collector for converting renewable solar energy into high heat.
4. Gas water heater
A gas water heater functions on LPG. These products get the supply through cylinders/gas pipelines, and they are extremely energy efficient. Gas water heaters are lightweight and highly cost-effective.
5. Immersion heater rods
As one of the oldest technologies, heating rods are no longer appliances that are in vogue. However, they are useful and convenient for heating water. Due to the compact size, you can easily accommodate immersion rods in your cabinet or any other storage place. This system is designed to offer fast heating and has a hanging hook and indication lights for safer operation. Immersion heater rods also come with water level indicators.
The size of the family
The regular water requirement happens to be one of the major factors that should dictate the water heater’s capacity. Here is a brief idea of the capacity you might need for average usage. However, keep in mind that capacities differ as per the patterns of water use, weather conditions, and inlet water temperature.
- 6 to 10 liters: 2 people in each bathroom
- 15 liters: 1 to 2 people in each bathroom in a colder climate
- 15 liters or more: 3 to 4 people in each bathroom
- 25 liters: 3 to 4 people in each bathroom in a colder climate
- 35 liters or more: 4 people in each bathroom
- Instant water heater: Mild requirement or kitchens
The energy efficiency factor
The products that are energy efficient are good for the environment and your pockets. So, it is always a good idea to choose heaters that are efficient enough to work without high power consumption. Also, remember that the energy star rating dictates the efficiency of a water heater. As such, a higher rating indicates that the product is more energy efficient.
The after-sales services offered
Water heaters are highly sensitive appliances that must be maintained diligently and taken good care of. It’s crucial to have a reliable after-sales service that helps in repairing the geysers if they are damaged. Efficient customer care is all about offering speedy resolution to product and service-based complaints. Make sure to enquire about authorized repairing centers near you beforehand.
Taking care of the hardness of water
The damage that hard water can cause to a water heater is frequently underestimated. Hard water has high amounts of mineral salts like magnesium and calcium. These minerals found in hard water lead to scaling. Gradually, these minerals can affect the level of efficiency of the heaters. Thus, it is better to look for heaters that can also help you solve this hard water problem.
The compatibility with pressure pumps
In high-rise buildings, pressure pumps for heaters are a must. Many of the water heaters that you will find on the market tend to leak when you expose them to higher water pressure. It is important to get water heaters that come with a good capacity to withstand pressure (up to at least 8 kg/cm2) to ensure that they are compatible with pressure pumps.
The style factor of the water heater
Buying a water heater is purely a functional decision. But who said you can’t look for a water heater that is also nice to look at? The right heater is the one that can do its job with the highest efficiency while improving the space as a whole. Thus, when you invest in a quality heater, pay attention to the aesthetics of it, too.
The bottom line
Buying a water heater means investing in the comfort and wellness of you and your family. So, there is no place for compromise in this matter. Make the best use of this buying guide and get a water heater for you that does the job as per your needs. Go ahead and make the purchase now!