Just like a frog dropped into boiling water jumps out to safety, you might jump out of your shower if your hot water suddenly runs out and you are blasted with a spray of cold water. There are ways to prevent this from happening. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Do You Need a New Water Heater?
If you regularly experience a shortage of hot water, it may need to be repaired or replaced. If a repair will suffice, all is well unless, of course, your water heater is generally inefficient and uses more energy than is required to produce hot water. Frequent repairs, leakage, strange noise, and rusty hot water are other signs that indicate it is probably time to invest in a new water heater.
Choosing a Water Heater
When looking for a new, reliable water heater in Nanaimo or elsewhere, there are a few things to consider.
Type
· Tank Water Heaters
Considered traditional water heaters, tank water heaters offer an affordable purchase price. They hold and heat water until it is requested by the turn of a faucet.
· Tankless Water Heaters
Also known as hot-water-on-demand, these systems heat water directly as it flows through the system. There is no storage of water, so no continual energy is required to maintain its temperature for eventual use.
Heating Source
On Vancouver Island, water heaters are often electric or natural gas, although oil and propane models do exist. Geothermal and solar water heaters are also on the market, but they are not mainstream choices.
Cost of Energy Source
The cost of an energy source can be difficult to determine because choosing a new source (such as solar) may require an expensive home installation. Furthermore, the cost of any given energy source can fluctuate. Nonetheless, you can estimate your yearly energy cost with energy-efficiency information provided by the manufacturer and the current or average price of the various utilities.
Size/Capacity
It is important to consider both how much space you have to house a water heater and how much hot water your household needs. Your plumbing expert can help you answer these questions, but a general estimate can be reached by allowing for 20 gallons of hot water per person in your household. The answer may automatically exclude a tank water heater.
Efficiency
Look for water heaters with ENERGY STAR certification. These will be the most energy-efficient models available. They have been tested and proven to use less energy than standard models, which helps you save money on your utility bills. Energy-efficient water heaters also reduce demands on your community’s energy resources and limit greenhouse gases and your carbon footprint.
Choose Your Next Water Heater in Nanaimo
To find the most appropriate water heater for your Nanaimo home, contact Strategic Mechanical Services. We offer complimentary estimates for homes and businesses in and around Nanaimo, as well as installation, repairs, and maintenance. Don't wait until you're caught in a cold shower—reach out today to ensure your hot water needs are met efficiently and reliably.