Hot Water Heaters Section
Cheap Hot Water Heaters
Cheap hot water heaters are not necessary cheap when you consider the running costs. Imagine a situation when your hot water heater breaks (especially during winter). It is an absolute disaster. Situations like this prompt us for a quick response to buy. For some people this needs to be the same unit, for others a word of mouth from a friend leads to the choice. However, bear in mind that technology changes and you should choose a long term cost-effective solution and consider the running costs.
Choice for Cheap Water Heaters - Main Types
Generally, we tend to evaluate the cost of the hot water heater based on the price of the unit. Further, we calculate the cost of the installation. However, these are the short term expenses. The low running cost of the unit is what is the real value for the cheap hot water heaters. So, what is available? There are two types of hot water heaters:
- Instantaneous hot water heaters
- Storage hot water heaters
The instantaneous option heats up water as we use it. The storage option heats up water in the tank continuously. Therefore, instantaneous option is an ideal cheap water heater. Generally, you need 21-24 liters/minute for a bathroom. The price tag of $850 for a good Bosch instantaneous unit will provide enough hot water and great savings for the future. The inefficient tank version for a similar capacity may be only $150 cheaper.
Cheap Hot Water Heaters - The Fuel
There are three main fuels which feed modern hot water heaters:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Sun
The massive Australian Government campaign promotes the solar hot water heaters. In general these are ideal because the energy is virtually free. However, in colder and alpine areas this units will not be effective. Therefore, installers provide hybrids:
- Solar-Gas
- Solar-Electricity
Gas has been a cheaper energy source than the electricity since 1960s.
Electricity still uses coal and there is a lot of overhead costs for the nuclear energy.
It is wiser and cost effective to use gas even though the electricity hot water units are cheaper to install.
You can expect price tag of $5000 (+/-$3000 after rebates) for a 315L Apricus Gas Boosted Solar unit.
Keep in mind that solar units are mainly storage water heaters.
Therefore, in alpine area the pure instantaneous gas hot water systems may be still cheaper to run than solar models.
Cheap Water Heaters - The Usage
No matter how much you save on the hot water heater, the running costs and the unit care will determine the efficiency. And the efficiency equals dollars.
You should always set your heater to about 60 degrees of Celsius.
Water pipes and the storage tank should be well insulated and in close proximity to water supply.
Generally, you should take showers rather than baths. Always, switch off gas supply to the unit when going out for more than 2 days.
Cheap Hot Water Heaters - The Brands
Good brand unit is not necessary the cheapest option. However, manufacturers of decent hot water heaters provide good warranty and service.
Rheem hot water systems have a good reputation for the past 60 years. Today they offer great range of gas, electric and hot water heaters.
Nice thing about Rheem is that you can purchase items rather than the entire unit. Their cheap hot water heaters can be modulated.
Bosch is a well known manufacturer of great instantaneous cheap water heaters. Great value for money and a huge selection.
Bosh instantaneous hot water heaters are probably the best value for money in the category. In addition some Bosh units come with an extensive 10 year guarantee.
Sears is another company which provides decent selection of storage hot water heaters. Both gas and electric options are available.
However, the company does not seriously consider the solar and the instantaneous market. Thus, Sears is a great choice for cheap water heaters which use tank technology.