A solar hot water storage tank can be a great addition for many owners. One of the best things to do is speak to a heating contractor about the best options for you. Here are a few things to consider.
Tankless Water Heating System
This method is the most affordable in terms of both installation and operation, but isn't without other advantages as well. Because these systems heat water instantly, there's always a lot of hot water available as long as the system has the capacity to deliver on demand. Sometimes single installation units work better for a shower, dish washer or the washing machine.
Other homes are best fitted with one large tankless unit in a central location, depending on how many people are in the house. Have you ever noticed that as you're the last one to take a shower that half-way through you get a cold surprise? Or has this happened to you: if you turn on the hot water, you scald your hands. This might happen if you had a traditional water heater. However, tankless hot water heaters are able to maintain a constant temperature reducing this type of inconvenience. Up-keep costs and maintenance are cheaper in the long run with a tankless unit.
How They Work
Electric tank less water heaters are confined units, typically hung on a wall close to where it would be used the most. If you turn on your hot faucet, a part in this unit is activated via the flow of water, triggering instant heat. Therefore, your water is simply heated when you are using it. You never have to pay the bill for "standby" water like traditional water heaters which have to accumulate and warm the water all the time. Storing water is expensive since the tank has got to constantly reheat the water in the tank, even when you're not using it.
Efficiency and Savings
Since electric tankless water heaters don't have to consistently reheat the water, your electric bills will be lower. Traditional heating storage tanks cycle on and off, even when you are gone. Maintaining water temperature uses up plenty of energy. But tankless heaters only work on demand.
Since traditional tanks need to constantly heat the water through the day, it overheats the fluids then lets it cool for a while. This means sometimes the water comes out scalding hot. In reality, these tanks will actually add cold water when you turn on the faucet in order to make the temperature more comfortable. This waste is not really bad for mother earth, but it costs you money.
Hot Water Storage Tank
Hot water storage tanks are the most common water heating system. Often, hot water storage tanks are replaced when the system gets too old. Installing a new tank is the easiest way to fix a broken one and each time you do, you can get a better model with a higher efficiency rating if your budget allows it. You should always hire a professional to put in the tank, especially if you are not experienced at this kind of work.
Alternate Hot Water Heating Systems
Instead of a tank less water heating system, you might consider a gas, oil, or electric water heater if you need a new system. This technology generally require less maintenance, are still cheap depending on fuel prices.
You might want to check with a plumber about the viability of this technology in your home. Calculations would be made and options presented if the contractor knows his stuff. Depending on where you live in the GVRD you can find a link to your city on this page. Click here for contact information and a link to Pioneer Plumbing local services.
