A hot bath or shower is one of life’s simple but luxurious pleasures. Therefore, even a tiny home needs a reliable water heater. There are various options on the market today that are suitable for small homes, whether a tiny stationary home or a small house on wheels. Due to the many options available, choosing a water heater can be daunting since you need to consider the water heater’s efficiency, cost, and durability.
With that said, selecting a water heater that will provide enough water for your tiny home and will be energy-efficient in reducing energy bills is vital. Luckily, as already stated, there are many heaters to choose from. These include conventional storage, tankless or demand-type, solar, heat pump, and tankless coil water heaters. If you are shopping for a water heater for your tiny home but don’t know how to go about the process, here are some tips you can rely on:
- Choose The Right Type Of Water Heater
Choosing the right water heater for your house will depend on your budget and home’s size. Tankless or on-demand water heaters are the best for tiny homes because they don’t need a storage tank. They heat water as it flows through, providing hot water as soon as needed.
Tankless water heaters have small and lightweight designs providing a perfect space-saving solution for smaller homes. They are more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters, are durable, and can last over 20 years. These heaters require qualified personnel to repair and install. Therefore, if you’re unqualified and need help, call in the experts to supply and install a hot water unit.
If you are running low on budget, settle for a storage-tank water heater. This type of water heater has a ready reservoir of hot water. It is cheaper to install, repair, and maintain than tankless heaters as their systems aren’t complex. However, storage tank water heaters use more energy as the water has to be kept warm at all times. And they don’t last long, making them more expensive in the long run.
- Choose The Right Fuel Type Or Energy Source
The fuel type is crucial when choosing a water heater for your tiny home. The fuel type you choose will depend on availability and its cost. Different water heater fuel options include electricity, geothermal energy, solar energy, natural gas, and propane.
If these fuel types are available in your area, narrow down your choice by comparing the costs. This tip is especially applicable when replacing your water heater or building a new house. You may realize that using a different water heater or fuel can save you money in the long run. However, when shifting from one energy source to another, consider additional costs such as a switch breaker or a running gas pipe to the water heater.
The type of water heater chosen also impacts your energy bills because it may use a particular fuel type more efficiently than another. For instance, an electric tankless water heater has lower energy costs than a storage-tank water heater.
- Decide Whether To Rent Or Buy A Water Heater
The decision to buy or rent a water heater will also be crucial when selecting one. Each decision has benefits and drawbacks, but it all narrows down to your circumstance and preference.
Renting a water heater offers affordable monthly payments and removes the stress of sudden repair and replacement bills. Rental costs will depend on the type of water heater and the company. However, renting a water heater proves to be expensive in the long run.
On the other hand, though expensive at the beginning, buying a water heater is cheaper at the end of the day. Since most water heaters last for about 15 years, the benefit of buying over hiring pays off after seven years. However, buying a water heater means you’re responsible for regular repairs and maintenance that can sometimes be costly.
- Consider The Cost
Before settling for a water heater, it is essential to weigh the cost in terms of buying price, maintenance, and repair. Do your homework to find a water heater that’s within your budget and that you can maintain effortlessly. Also, check the warranty before buying to ensure you protect your investment.
Conclusion
There you have it! These tips will ensure you make a good choice when selecting a water heater for your tiny home. Nevertheless, if the process still seems intimidating, it is definitely advisable to consult an expert for further help and input.
