Do You Want to Buy a Water Heater for Your Home?

So, you are on the lookout for the best water heater for your home? Before you visit the home appliance dealer in your locality, you should have a complete idea of your requirements and preferences. The water heater is an indispensable home appliance, especially during the colder months. Providing hot water, this heating appliance lets you have a fresh start on the day. There are different types of heaters available in the market. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, and you can choose the type of water heater based on your budget and preferences. When you buy a one for your home, you should consider two important things. First, is the capacity of the water heater and the second is its energy efficiency.

Storage Tank

This type of heating appliance will have a tank where cold water is filled. An inlet pipe fills water in the tank when the heater is switched on. After the heater is powered for some time, the water in the tank gets sufficiently hot. An outlet pipe allows passage of hot water from the tank to the faucet. Storage tank water heaters are available in different capacities.

This type is a good choice for places where there is water problem and frequent power outages. The storage heater will also be a good option for large households. It has a tank in which the water is stored and heated when required. A plumber cum electrician will be required to install this heating appliance.

Tankless or Instantaneous

These heating units are smaller compared to the storage models. In this type of water heater, the water gets heated when it passes though the heat exchanger. Water is not stored inside the heater and you immediately get hot water. The energy efficiency and performance of instantaneous heater is high, which makes it a good choice for most households. This type of appliance is activated when the faucet is turned on. It automatically stops heating water when you turn off the faucet.

While this model is more energy and water efficient, it will be a difficult option if you live in a place that experiences frequent power cuts. Small water heaters with around 5-litre capacity will be enough for a family of two or three, whereas large families may require up to a 25-litre water heater depending on the number of people in the household.

Most models used these days are powered by electricity, though you may find some gas powered water heaters. You should therefore, check the energy efficiency of the heating appliance before you decide to purchase it. You may purchase a heater because it is cheap, and then find yourself paying higher electricity bills. In such a situation, you will be spending more than your budget. So, check out the BEE energy efficiency rating of the appliance first.

Gas Water Heaters

This type of heating appliance can be either tank or tankless type, but powered by gas. The heating unit is connected to a LPG cylinder, and when the cylinder is switched on, the hot water is passed through the pipe connected to the hot water faucet. So, even if you have frequent power outages in your locality, you don’t have to worry about hot water supply.

Solar Heater

The water is heated using solar energy. A solar panel placed on the roof or terrace absorbs solar energy. Pipes carrying water are placed near the panel, and the solar energy from the panels is transferred to the water, heating it up. This hot water pipe is connected to the faucet in the bathroom. This type is not only eco-friendly, but also very economic.

If you have decided on the type of water heater that you want to buy, you can contact a home appliance dealer in your locality. Before you make your purchase, you should check if the brand you want to purchase is available with your local dealer. Plus, the brand should authorized water heater service centers in your locality. You can also check if the manufacturer provides warranty and AMC for the model you are planning to purchase, so you will not have problem while repairing or servicing the water heater.