Water heaters are an essential home appliance in Australia. Without these appliances, simple activities such as taking a shower, laundry and washing dishes would become very difficult. However, to get most out of your water heater, you must get a device that suits your home needs. 

There are several factors you need to take into consideration to ensure that you are getting the right water heater. We spoke to Liam from Hot Water Brisbane regarding the main factors that homeowners should consider when buying new water. Here are some of the expert tips that he gave us: 

1. Type Of Water Heater 

The first and most important thing that you need to consider when choosing a new water heater is the type that works for you. There are several types of water heaters, but there are some that are the most popular with homeowners. Conventional storage-tank types are the most popular since they store hot water in a tank ready for use. There are also tankless water heaters that are growing popular with homeowners because they produce on-demand hot water. The other types include heat pump, solar and condensing water heaters.

2. Capacity 

Water heater capacity is another crucial factor that homeowners should look out for when choosing a new water heater. According to Liam, homeowners should know their home’s hot water demand. That’s the only way that you can get the capacity right. Typical, water heaters capacity ranges between 75 and 227 litres. So, you have a vast range of capacities to select from. The number of family members is the key factor that determines the size of the water heater. 

3. Energy Source 

Another factor that homeowners need to consider seriously is the source of energy. What kind of energy would you like to use? The most available and affordable source of energy should determine the choice in your home. The two most common sources of fuel for most homes in Australia is electricity and gas. Both have their own pros and cons. For the gas option, you need piping and vents, which will increase the initial installation cost. However, they are cheaper to run in the long run. For the electricity types, you can choose solar energy if you want to go green. 

4. Artificial Intelligence 

Water heater technology is advancing at a very high speed, and you can’t afford to be left behind. Therefore, when choosing a new water heater, it is important that you check for artificial intelligence features. The modern or smart water heaters are artificial intelligence-enabled, a feature that makes them easy to use. They come with display units that enable you to control and monitor device settings. Some are even app-enabled, and thus you can control from your smartphone from anywhere in the world. These models might be expensive but are worth every cent you spend on them. 

5. Brand Reputation 

One of the key things that most homeowners fail to do, according to Liam, is checking the reputation of the manufacturer. You need to know what customers are saying the brand and more so the model you are planning to buy. There are several things you can get from previous customers. One of them is the quality of the water heating appliance. Second is the quality of customer services. How do they treat warranty cases? These are questions you need to know before placing an order.

6. Type of Drain Valves

Because of the inevitable build-up of minerals and deposits at the bottom of the water heater, these devices are designed with drain valves for the purpose of flushing sediment. You need to have the water heater flushed after 6 to 12 months to keep in good condition. The materials used for the drain valve is an essential factor to consider. Liam highly recommends brass as opposed to plastic ones. Brass lasts longer hence value for money. 

7. Anti-scale features 

One of the biggest factors that reduced the water heater lifespan is scaling inside the tank. The minerals and deposit build-up damage the heating element as well as corroding the tank. You can get rid of this problem by investing in a water heater with the ant-scale feature. The anti-scale devices reduce the rate of mineral and deposit build-up in the tank. Therefore, the rate of wear and tear will significantly reduce and the lifespan of the unit increased.

8. Check Energy Rating 

It is important that you check the rating of the appliance you are buying. Every water heater old in Australia comes with EF (energy factor) rating. EF is a factor that determines the energy conversion efficiency of the appliance and the environmental impact. The higher the EF, the better. The for a good gas water heater, the EF should be between 0.5 and 0.7. Similarly, a good electric water heater should be between 0.75 and 0.95. So, check the rating of the appliance for minimal environmental damage and reduced running costs.

9. Warranty 

You need to have a guarantee that the water heater you are buying will give value for money. Usually, a water heater warranty ranges from three years to twelve years. However, the longer the warranty, the more expensive the appliance is likely to be. Therefore, check the kind of warranty that the manufacturer is providing. 

10. Safety Features 

Last but not least are the safety features of the water heater. Apart from being an essential appliance, water heaters can also cause damages to your home, especially when it blows up. That’s why it is important that you check the in-built safety features in the water heater. Does it have a safety valve that opens automatically to relieve the pressure? This is an essential safety feature that prevents these devices from blowing up. 

Doing research before buying a new water heater is crucial. But if you are buying for the first time, it is highly recommended that you consult a professional plumber to help you get a perfect water heater for your home. But with these ten tips, you have everything you need to get yourself an ideal water heater for your home. 

Contact the following details if you’re looking for a hot water system supplier and installer in Brisbane:

Hot Water Brisbane
5/46 Reeve St, Clayfield, Brisbane, QLD. 4011
Phone: (07) 3064 0663
Email: [email protected]
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2770032929379507134