Minor But Important Details to Remember When Choosing a New Hot Water Heater
When you're ready to choose a new hot water system for your home, you may be thinking of its capacity, and if it's large enough to ensure you always have hot water available. This is certainly a very important consideration to take into account, but it's not the only one! There are many seemingly minor but important details you'll want to remember when choosing a new hot water heater, so note a few of them here, and you'll be sure to end up with a heater that works well for your needs.
Resale
It is good to consider how your purchasing decisions will affect a home's overall value, if you should ever decide to sell it. For example, a low-capacity heater may work for you and your family if your schedules are all staggered, but this might not work for future homebuyers. If you have a large home with lots of bedrooms, potential buyers will probably have children, and everyone may need to get ready at the same time every morning. In turn, they may expect a large capacity hot water heater. Be sure you think of how your decision will affect your home's potential for resale down the road, before you decide on a model and capacity.
Maintenance
A hot water heater with a short warranty may mean more maintenance and repairs over the years, whereas a company that offers a longer warranty may be more willing to stand behind their product. You also need to consider how easily you can find a contractor who can do repairs on your system; for example, a solar or tankless heater may need a specialized repair person, whereas an electric model, which is often more popular for consumers, may be easier for a contractor to fix. Note the expected maintenance and work that might need to be done on a model you choose, and consider those costs and the availability of repair persons.
Fuel type
How will the water heater be powered? While a solar panel doesn't need direct sunlight all day to store energy, if you live in an area with long, dark winters, it may not be the best option. If you're considering a propane system, can you easily buy propane in your area, and safely store it on your property? Have you compared the cost of propane, including its delivery and other charges, versus the cost of electricity for the heater? Be sure you've given thorough consideration to the fuel for your potential heater, and note its cost, availability, and ease of use before making your decision.
Share
