| Purchasing a water heating system can be | | | | as needed. This is a good way to save energy, as |
| difficult, particularly as you have a wide range of | | | | no energy is wasted keeping the water hot, the |
| factors to take into consideration. Generally, most | | | | unit itself will not take up much space as it has no |
| people choose a gas or electric heater, depending | | | | storage tank, and you will never run out of hot |
| on the fuel source prevalent in their area. It is a | | | | water. However, please note that you may need |
| personal choice, and one that should be based on | | | | more than one if you wish to use different |
| whichever system is best suited to your needs. | | | | appliances at the same time. |
| The financial costs should also be weighed against | | | | Solar water heater - good alternative? |
| the over-all benefits. The type of fuel you will be | | | | Some people are attracted to purchasing a solar |
| using will be an important factor when deciding | | | | water heater. If you decide to purchase one, it is |
| what unit to choose. For example, purchasing an | | | | likely that your installation and purchase costs will |
| electric heater will be more suitable if you are | | | | be high, however this might still work in your |
| used to using this type of fuel. It will all be | | | | favour in the long run as you may save on |
| dependant on your personal needs and wishes. | | | | operations costs. |
| Before you make your decision you should | | | | If you decide to install a full central heating |
| consider a range of other factors. Purchasing a | | | | system, then this is likely to add value to a |
| water heater is an investment, and it is important | | | | property irrespective of age. On the other hand, if |
| to get one that will suit you for many years. | | | | you have a small one bedroom apartment, |
| Therefore, you should consider your long term | | | | installing an instantaneous heater will be more |
| plans for the property: | | | | practical and appropriate. It is beneficial to consider |
| *What are your long term plans for the property? | | | | a range of factors before reaching your decision. |
| *Will you be using it as a family home or as an | | | | You will need to consider: |
| investment? | | | | *Financial costs involved in installation |
| *How much hot water will be used in your | | | | *The costs involved in connecting the fuel type to |
| property? | | | | the water heater |
| Selecting the appropriate size of the water heater | | | | *Annual supply and maintenance costs |
| will be important for energy efficiency. After all, it | | | | Generally there are a wide range of heating |
| will be wasting energy if it is continuously heating | | | | systems available to suit different needs. Your |
| more water than is required. You may wish to | | | | financial budget is one of the most important |
| consider purchasing a space-saving gas or electric | | | | considerations, and if you are not careful, you can |
| on-demand system in which cold water is heated | | | | end up spending more than you planned. |