Archive for September, 2009
Choosing Between Tankless or Traditional Water Heaters
Best Type Of Water Heater For Your Home
A traditional water tank is about half the price of the new tankless water heaters, but the new high efficiency systems pay for themselves in a few years. Usually years go by before you need to replace the water tank, but when you do need a new water heater it’s a good idea to be prepared by researching what’s on the market right now.
If you bought your home with the intention of selling, then the tank type water heater makes the most sense. The kind of water heater you have in your home is usually of little concern to a new home buyer.
Save On Water And Gas Costs
If you are doing any home improvements and plan on staying for a decade or two, then tankless is the way to go. The extra cost for a tankless is easily justified. They are more efficient by using less water and gas, they use less fuel by only heating water on demand, and also take up less space. Talk to the contractor you hire for other ideas and he should be able to give you the pros and cons for a few systems.
Plumbing Systems In An Old House
Depending on how old your house is, you might need to budget for plumbing system upgrades over the next few years. Different areas of the country have different water problems, but all plumbing systems break down eventually. Water Ph and sediment can vary from place to place, but problems tend to be similar in any given radius.
It might be a good idea to be aware of the shape your pipes are in, so for a few dollars extra the contractor who’s in your home fixing your water heater could do a diagnostic on your plumbing system while he’s there. That would give you an idea if repairs are needed soon, or if any maintenance could extend the life of your pipes. It’s much better to know in advance if you need to start a plumbing overhaul fund.
Know Where Your Main Shut Off Valves Are
If you don’t know where the main water valve and the main gas shut off is, ask the contractor to help you locate those while he’s there. He might even give you some tips on things you can do by yourself or any tools you should have on hand for simple repairs you can do yourself.