Installing hot water into your home can be a complicated event. Done wrong, it can end up costing you hundreds of dollars to fix. Done right, it can save you thousands over the life of the system. It’s essential to choose a reliable supplier that can provide you with highly efficient results. For instance, Eurosun roof-mounted solar hot water systems can provide up to 85% of your home’s hot water needs with free energy from the sun. With a Eurosun solar hot water system installed on your home, you can save money, energy, and the environment. Although the internet is filled with advice on the installation of hot water, all this advice can be pared down to 7 tips that involve three things: efficiency, purification, and expertise.
Efficiency
1. Rating
Water heaters are rated according to their efficiency. The higher-rated heaters have five or six stars while heaters that perform poorly have two or three stars. When shopping for a water heater, make certain to verify it has received a five- or six-star rating from the E3 rating program.
2. Solar
Gas and electric water heaters operate via energy created by the consumption of fossil fuels. Instead of buying a traditional heater, you should inquire if your plumber can install a solar water heater. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, solar water heaters often come with a rebate or other financial incentives.
Additionally, research is showing that solar water heaters help increase home value. When you decide to sell your home, you will likely receive more offers for your home if you have already installed solar panels that run such things as your water heater.
3. Insulation
During the water heater installation process, you should have your plumber insulate your heater. Doing so will allow the water within the tank to remain hot longer. Consequently, you will use less energy when heating it. Over time, this insulation can save up to 15 percent on your utility bills. Additionally, insulation helps protect your heater during the cold months when temperatures reach freezing.
4. Size
Years ago, 30-gallon or 40-gallon tanks were common for small homes. However, 50-gallon tanks are trending as they are able to provide ongoing hot water for small and large families. Whereas a smaller tank may become depleted, a larger tank will always have hot reserves ready for a shower or dishes.
If you do not want to invest in a large water heater, your plumber can actually help you install several point-of-use heaters. This type of system involves smaller heaters being installed at the exact spots in your home where they will be of most use. This type of system is more efficient and results in more consistent hot water being delivered.
Purification
5. Filtering
Water heaters are supposed to heat water. They are not designed to actually filter it. However, whole-home water filters are often installed between the water heater and the outlet. A better strategy is to install a filter between the primary water main and the heater. Doing so will filter most sediment, heavy metals, and chemicals from your water before it can eat away at or collect in your water heater.
The best water filters can also soften hard water. Hard water can contribute to sediment in your tank. Over time, this sediment can collect inside your water heater and damage it from within.
Expertise
6. Professional installation
It is not recommended that you install hot water by yourself. Depending on your local ordinance, gas systems require installation by a certified professional. Similarly, electric-based systems require a licensed electrician. Attempting to install a water heater by yourself can lead to you endangering people and property.
Additionally, certified professionals are able to recommend such things as how to maintain your water heater over the course of its life. They can conduct tests as to the hardness or softness of your water and inform you of how minerals can be mitigated. Finally, they are able to ensure the installation is up to code.
7. Scheduled inspections
During your hot water installation, you should ask your plumber if he or she offers an annual inspection service. Signing up for a service package ensures you have a professional checking your system for anything that might be wrong. This is important because proactively addressing things that might go wrong is a better way to care for your water heater than waiting until problems erupt into costly affairs.
For instance, a service inspection can involve the plumber checking for sediment or draining the tank. Additionally, he or she can inspect or replace the anode rod. Finally, you will be able to have the peace of mind that your financial investment is working as it should.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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