5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hot Water System

Is your current water heater on its last legs? Then the time has come to purchase a new hot water system. But before you go out and buy the same model and type as your current system, consider your options. Nowadays, with so many water-heating options available, you would be wise to take your time when selecting a new hot water system.

Before you settle on a choice, consider the following factors.

1. Energy Bills

If you can save money by switching to a new hot water system, then take the time to find a better and cheaper alternative to your current hot water heater. Your options are:

  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Heat pump
  • Solar

Although electric water heaters are the cheapest to purchase and install, they will cost you more over time. So if lowering your energy bills is one of your targets, then consider opting for a gas, heat pump or solar water heater instead. Heat pumps, for instance, while more expensive to purchase, are extremely efficient and can save you a lot of money on your annual energy bill.

2. Hot Water Usage (People)

The number of people in your household is one of the most important factors to consider. Consider how much hot water everyone in you family tends to use on a daily basis. And bear in mind that teenagers tend to use more hot water than younger children do. So if you have a house full of teenagers, you'll need a bigger water storage tank or a continuous flow system.

If you choose a water storage tank that is too small, you won't have enough hot water for a mid to large household. But a small water tank will typically be sufficient for a two-person household.

3. Hot Water Usage (Appliances)

Does your home contain multiple appliances that require hot water to function properly? This usually means dishwashers and washing machines. If so, you also need to consider this when choosing a hot water system. A continuous flow system works best for homes that have multiple appliances that require hot water to run.

If yours is a very large household, your washing machine and dishwasher will be in almost constant use. So you might be better off paying more for a solar water heater, which costs more initially, but saves you a lot of money long-term.

4. Available Space

If you live in a smaller home, then you'll need to evaluate your available space before you change your water heater. For instance, if you live in a small home that has up to six occupants, you might not have the space to fit a large storage tank inside your home. Instead, a better option would be a continuous flow system, which takes up much less space as it doesn't store hot water.

And if you are interested in a solar water heater, you'll need to sacrifice some of the space outside your home for solar panel installation. Heat pumps also take up outdoor space, so these two options are unsuitable for small yards.

5. Environmental Impact

Do you care about the impact that your water heater has on the environment? Electric water heaters have the worst effect on the environment. If this is a concern of yours, then opt for a solar water heater or heat pump. Heat pumps do tend to be noisy when running, so bear this in mind when you place one on your property.

If you need to replace your hot water system, make sure you take the time to consider the aforementioned factors first. That will help you to choose a hot water system that best suits your needs and requirements. Contact a company that offers hot water system installation services to learn more.


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