You rely on your water heater multiple times every day, which is why it is important that you replace it with the right unit when the time comes. While there are many features and numbers listed on labels of water heaters, some things are more important than others. The following are the most important factors that you will have to decide on when buying a new water heating system.
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Type. You have two general options to pick from: tankless water heaters and storage tank water heaters. The tradeoff for the small size and greater efficiency of a tankless water heater is a higher upfront cost and a limited capacity at any moment. Storage tank units are typically best in large homes, but are versatile enough to be used in almost any home.
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Fuel. One factor that will affect the type of water heater you pick may be fuel. Tankless water heaters often require expensive work done during installation to accommodate different fuel types. Regardless of which type of unit you pick, sticking with popular fuels like electricity and natural gas will leave you with the widest selection of possible water heaters. Decide on a fuel by comparing the price and year-round availability of the fuels in your region.
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Efficiency. If you have a large budget, consider choosing a more efficient system. You generally pay more upfront for high efficiency units, but can save money over time through smaller energy bills. Calculate if the extra savings is worth the extra money upfront to find the optimal level of efficiency.
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Size. Different water heaters have different storage capacity. Having too much capacity means you waste energy heating extra water for no reason, but a small capacity limits your hot water use. You should consult with an HVAC professional to have sizing calculations done correctly.
If you need expert help to find the best water heater for your Calgary home, contact Arpi’s Industries Ltd.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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