Sunday, August 25, 2013

Back To Basics: Water Heater Replacement

Back To Basics: Water Heater Replacement

By Brian Winters


It can be costly and inconvenient to maintain an out-of-date water heater that has been in your basement for over a decade. More likely, it will act up and malfunction frequently, making it difficult for you to have access to hot water. Nowadays, there are a lot of modern heating systems that consume less energy compared to tank-style units. If your electric bill is way beyond your budget, consider buying a replacement unit right away.

Without the right guidelines, it can be confusing to select the best unit to meet your hot water demands. How many occupants are living at your house? How often and how much do you use hot water in a daily basis? The answers to these questions will be your guide whenever it's time to buy a replacement unit. It is best to buy a heater with a large storage tank if you have a big family.

Once you have decided to replace your water heater, know how much you are willing to spend for your replacement unit. This will save you more time in looking for a unit as you won't have to check costly heaters that are not so budget-friendly. Keep in mind that buying a new water heater comes with additional costs for installation. However, it is not recommended to buy the cheapest unit among the rest. Doing this only leads to costly water heater repairs or worse, another replacement too soon.

If you are buying a tank-style unit, consider the tank size of the heating system to make sure it produces enough hot water supply for your household. It is important to choose a water heater tank that is appropriately sized since a tank too small consumes a lot of electricity in the long run.

Always check the water heater's efficiency to reduce the cost of your electric bill. Nowadays, most homeowners prefer using tankless water heaters since these units don't have to insulate water at all times that leads to great energy savings.

Check how much water the unit produces in a day by reading the Energy Guide label. You will see the first-hour rating that will indicate if the FHR is within 1-2 gallons of your peak demand.

To avoid taking unexpected cold showers, it is wise to start looking for a replacement unit once you think your old unit is reaching the end of its lifespan. This will give you more time to look and shop for the best heating system within your budget that will meet your hot water needs. Follow the tips listed above to help choose the most suitable heater for your household.

When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact a specialist for professional help. Your hard-earned money should be spent on a replacement unit that will meet your hot water needs, especially now that water heaters don't come cheap. Remember that attempting to install the unit on your own can damage the unit further.




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