Hot Water Heaters
A Guide to the Best Heating Solutions
When building or remodeling, the hot tip is to use high-efficiency, low fuel consumption technology to heatwater. The latest design trends include the next generation of super-bathrooms that require heaters to meet the demand for endless hot water. Eco-friendly supplemental solar hot water heaters help the environment and save money.
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Hot water heaters are seeing a resurgence in interest with the evolution of the bathroom from its former role as a water closet to a more social context – often described as a “superbath” or as a high-end bathroom. Combined with climate control devices such as heat pumps or when used in conjunction with home heating and home cooling and air conditioning the superbath creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who use it.
Heat is a major consideration when using a high-demand multi-head shower or high volume bathtub. Many tank-type water heaters are simply unable to fill a 70 gallon tub with hot water. For hot water-intensive applications, many homeowners are installing on-demand tankless water heating solutions or using supplemental heating, such as solar hot water arrays, hot water plumbing used in conjunction with functional fireplaces, or the installation of additional dedicated tank-type heaters.
Water pipes and other plumbing can be problematic, especially when retrofitting or remodeling an existing room – such as a spare bedroom – to provide the space required to contain huge tubs and oversized shower systems. High humidity can be an issue requiring a heat pump in conjunction with a high-capacity dehumidifier and air filtration system.
Heaters can be installed to boost water temperature, however, they are generally inefficient and tend to require electricity to operate, as gas solutions can be very difficult to install and maintain.
Hot water circulating – also seen as recirculating – pumps to provide instant hot water is similarly inefficient, consuming far more electricity than is necessary.
Hot water heaters using the latest eco-friendly technologies include roof mounted units working on the same principles horticultural green houses use. The heat from the sun is intensified, concentrated, and uses convection circulation to provide a low cost-to-operate environmentally green solution. Worth noting is that recent government litigation may offer tax incentives to further reduce overhead and installation outlays.
There is no single best solution to hot water generating and delivery systems. Only a properly planned, well-engineered and professionally installed system can ensure an optimal design and deliver the intended results.
