Jun 30, 2001 09:16 PM
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When shopping for an hot water heater there are a few basic things to look for as you shop.
First things first.
Are you replacing an old hot water heater or are you starting from scratch and installing one say in a new house? Either way, there are a couple of things you really should think about when you start your shopping around. One thing is to be sure to shop around because prices can differ.
Realize the size.
Be realistic when you start to figure out what size of hot water heater you will be needing. Do you have a large family and use a lot of hot water per day? Or do you live alone, and do not use that much? These are a couple of solid questions to think about.
If you have a large family, do yourself as well as them a favor and buy a large hot water heater if you can afford it. I say this because often times hot water heaters cost more the larger they are. I also say this because if you are like me, it seems that everything hits at once. Someone needs to wash cloths, while you are wanting to run the dishwasher, and someone else is needing to get a shower and wash their hair to be ready for an appointment, while someone else is cooking something and using hot water there.
Places I have lived before had small hot water heaters, this type of activity would leave someone out in the cold, so be sure to really think it over before you choose what size of heater to buy.
Just keep in mind where the new one will sit and make sure that you have enough room to install a larger model if you choose to do so.
What type of fuel will you be using.
Okay, we have discussed the size issue, now we are ready to move on to the fuel issue. If you are replacing an old heater or getting a new one, you need to keep in mind what type of fuel will power this hot water heater.
I live in the USA, and the three most common types of fuel are Propane, Natural Gas and Electricity. So keep in mind what type of fuel you are going to be using and make sure the heater is set up for that type of fuel.
Propane gas and Natural Gas often needs some fittings changed in them to make them work, so even though you know you are using gas, make sure you know which one.
Read, read, read
Now you have your brand new hot water heater. It has been installed. Make sure you read all the important information on the heater. I do this to learn more about the heater, as well as learn money saving tips that is usually a part of the operating instructions.
Happy Heating!
