Purchasing a water heating system can be difficult, particularly as you have a wide range of factors to take into consideration. Generally, most people choose a gas or electric heater, depending on the fuel source prevalent in their area. It is a personal choice, and one that should be based on whichever system is best suited to your needs. The financial costs should also be weighed against the over-all benefits. The type of fuel you will be using will be an important factor when deciding what unit to choose. For example, purchasing an electric heater will be more suitable if you are used to using this type of fuel. It will all be dependant on your personal needs and wishes.
There will be other factors you will need to consider, such as family circumstances before you make your decision. You will need to consider your future at the property, and whether or not your family size is likely to increase. You should consider the following:
What purpose do you have in mind in using your property?
Do you intend to use it as a family home or will it simply be used as an investment property?
Will hot water be used quite frequently?
Selecting the appropriate size of the water heater will be important for energy efficiency. After all, it will be wasting energy if it is continuously heating more water than is required. You may wish to consider purchasing a space-saving gas or electric on-demand system in which cold water is heated as needed. This is a good way to save energy, as no energy is wasted keeping the water hot, the unit itself will not take up much space as it has no storage tank, and you will never run out of hot water. However, please note that you may need more than one if you wish to use different appliances at the same time.
Solar water heater - good alternative?
Another option would be to install a solar water heater. If you decide to go for this option, you may need to increase your financial budget as the installation and purchase price will be high. On the other hand, it may suit you better in the long run as you may save on operations costs.
Installing a full central heating system will more than likely add value to a property irrespective of age. On the other hand, it is important to analyse your own individual needs and circumstances. Therefore, if you have a small one bedroom apartment, installing an instantaneous heater will be more practical and appropriate. You should consider the following:
financial costs involved in installation
costs linked to connecting the fuel type to the water heater
annual supply and maintenance costs
Overall there are a wide range of heating systems available to accommodate different needs. Your financial budget is one of the most important considerations, and you should be careful about going over your limit.
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about
boilers, central heating,
Ealing plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
