(Newswire.net — September 26, 2013) Vancouver, BC — Fortunately, hot water tanks last a long time. Cheaper units can easily last ten years, and better ones double that. But eventually they fail and must be replaced, and that’s when the average consumer needs to talk to a professional about the pros and cons of the many options now available for heating water in today’s homes.
What Type of Boiler Is The Best Fit
Gas, oil or electric? Those used to be the only choices for most of us. But now we have to consider the merits of traditional hot water tanks versus boilers, which have become more affordable. Then there are on-demand hot water systems that don’t store heated water at all and take up very little space. But is it the right choice for you? And how about solar, which can be effective even on cloudy days? Or a heat pump? Will that be ground source or air source? And have you even heard of low-mass water heating technology? It’s relatively new and very efficient. If you are undertaking major home renovations, or even building a new home, you might also want to look into a whole-home, integrated system that combines hot water supply and house heating.
Building Codes and Energy Incentives
There are other important reasons for consulting with professionals when replacing a hot water tank. It is likely that building codes in your municipalities may have changed since your current hot water tank was installed. This is certainly the case in the Greater Vancouver Region of British Columbia, where new regulations mandate greater clearances to walls, the types of plumbing and venting materials allowable and other parameters. Also in the consumer’s favour is the fact that many provinces, and even the federal Government, offer rebates and other forms of financial assistance when you install high-efficiency hot water systems that will save energy (which reduces your operating cost, by the way).
So many questions, aren’t there? That’s why I sought out the advice of professionals when I recently had to replace a water heater. Not only did I get the right product for me, I had the peace of mind knowing it was properly installed and I also got a handsome rebate from the British Columbia LiveSmart Efficiency Incentive Program.
If a new water heater is in the works call Mr. Rooter Plumbing