Today you have more options than ever before when it comes to supplying hot water in your home or business. Thanks to recent advances in technology as well as government rebate programs to encourage upgrading of an hot water tanks, you can take advantage of the many improvements in water heating for the 21st century.
The Many Options Available for Hot Water Today
Since 2010, Government of BC regulations have forbidden the sale of water heating systems with an Energy Factor below 0.62, meaning at least 62% of the energy your water heater uses must actually go into heating the water while 38% of the energy you use – and pay for – is wasted. If your home has a hot water tank from an earlier era, it likely has a much lower energy factor. Something to consider if the time is nearing to replace it.
Today, there are a variety of water heating systems with an EF of up to 0.99, which means you only waste 1% of the fuel that you pay for to heat water, be it gas or electric.
Rebates
FortisBC, British Columbia’s natural gas supplier, has a rebate program that gives you between $200 and $1,000 back when you replace your old, inefficient hot water tank with a new, more efficient one.
Read more information on the FortisBC Energy Star Water Heater Program and how you can take advantage of it while simultaneously reducing your water heating costs and improving hot water delivery and hot water quality.
Traditional Hot Water Tanks
The good, old hot water tank that we all grew up with is still the most popular method for heating water for home use in Canada. Traditional hot water tanks have been around for a long time and the most basic models are relatively inexpensive. Hot water tanks start at around a thousand dollars to install, which makes them the most popular option for water heating. Other systems such as tankless water heaters and combination boilers are more efficient and also may provide more hot water, but they are also much more costly.
On Demand Water Heaters
Though many Canadians think they are new, or haven’t even heard of them, tankless water heaters have been common throughout Asia and Europe for decades. Also known as an tankless water heater or instant water heater. They offer significant advantages over a traditional hot water tank.
With no heat loss, because there is no water storage tank, these compact units are placed close to where you need hot water and provide it within a few seconds of the tap being turned on. Their high initial cost is offset by lower energy costs, longer life and reduced water usage as you don’t have to run the water nearly as long before getting hot water.
Electric Water Heating
With natural gas prices relatively low right now, electric hot water tanks have become less popular in new homes. In some cases, homeowners with electric tanks may want to switch over to gas, assuming gas service is available, as costs less than half as much to run a gas tank. However, most homeowners with electric tanks will stick with them as installing a new gas line and venting for a gas hot water tank is not a small task. We are experienced in the repair, maintenance, and replacement of electric hot water tanks.
How to Light the Pilot Light
Choices, So Many Choices
There are more choices than ever before when it comes to hot water. If you live in the metro Vancouver area, the best way to explore your options is by calling us here at Efficient Furnace. A division of Good Guys Heating Cooling and Plumbing Ltd. where our staff of experienced experts can help determine the right water heating solution for you.
By: Andrew Lake