It may not be the most exciting appliance we ever think about, but a property’s water heater is undoubtedly one of its most vital. This machine isn’t something that needs replacing often, but when it does, you don’t want to dilly dally.
If you’ve started having problems with your water heater, follow the below tips to buy a replacement appliance ASAP.
Know What You Want from a Machine
Get clear about what you want a machine. Your main goal is obviously for it to provide you with consistent hot water long-term, but beyond that, you’ll probably have some other requirements. For example, you might have a large family and therefore need a bigger-than-average machine to provide enough hot water. On the other hand, if you’re doing up a property to sell, you may only want a product that’s as affordable as possible.
Other considerations when thinking about what you’re looking for in an appliance include:
- Brand
- Warranty
- Overall water rating and energy efficiency
- Standby loss ((the hourly percentage heat lost on stored water)
- Recovery efficiency (the level of efficiency as the water is heated)
- Cycling loss (the percentage of heat lost when water circulates through the machine)
Understand which factors are most important to you upfront, so you know what to concentrate on when comparing products.
Create a Budget for the Purchase
It also pays to create a budget for your purchase so that you don’t spend more than you can afford or want to outlay on this product choice. If you’re renovating a home or otherwise dealing with many things at once, it’s tempting to just go for the water heater that a salesperson pushes you towards or that’s easiest to find. However, selecting a product this way may not be your best long-term decision.
Instead, set a budget upfront and only look at products within this range. Factor in additional expenses, too. For example, you’ll need to pay a plumber to install the new device, and you may have to pay for disposal of your old water heater. Plus, it’s worth investing in additional cover for your new machine. Check out home warranty prices online and you’ll find affordable deals to choose from that will cover you against repair and maintenance fees in coming years.
Research Product Options
The key part of selecting a new water heater is doing the research required to find the best option for your needs. Don’t skimp on this part of the process. There are many products on the market these days, and you want to buy correctly, since you’ll have the machine for many years to come.
As you shop, you’ll notice a variety of brands and styles to choose from. For many people, a solar water heater is the prime choice as it gives them zero or low energy fees to pay for and is more sustainable. Keep in mind that this type of machine is more expensive upfront, though, and you need to be able to position the product’s collector in full sun to get enough hot water daily.
Another popular option is a tankless water heater. These are handy when you don’t have much space to place your machine. The on-demand products heat water by gas or electricity only during times when heat is needed. As such, water flows through the appliance, so it doesn’t also need a bulky tank. You do have to wait a few seconds for water to heat to the desired temperature, though.
A standard storage tank heater is an older style but still sold frequently since this device comes in many different sizes and is at a lower price point. However, it does waste a lot of energy, since it heats water continuously.
You might also want to consider a heat pump water heater. This kind of device moves heat from place to place using electricity. You enjoy low operating costs with this machine type and can use them to heat water only or also to run heating and cooling systems, which is handy. However, these appliances aren’t typically the best choice for homeowners who live in cold climates.
No matter which water heater style you opt for, do take the time to read product reviews and manufacturer testimonials to ensure you find the best product for your budget. Always hire a professional to install the unit to ensure it’s safe and stays under warranty. Follow these tips, and you’ll soon be enjoying all the hot water you like.
