Nothing ruins a perfect shower time like running out of hot water does, and rushing through the shower to avoid the cold water hardly seems relaxing. A good heater is quite a necessity when it comes to having a better quality of life.
Imagine using cold water for daily chores, especially if you live in cold areas can be troublesome. Hence water heaters are essential gadgets in our everyday lives. Whether you use them for showers and baths or all around your house, these devices are useful.
When it comes to such a vital gadget, it is crucial to choose one suitable for you, your home, and your lifestyle. It is hardly logical to use a heater that requires a larger area in an apartment where you need something compact and useful all around.
Top 3 Best Apartment-Friendly Water Heaters
Apartments require planning to make the best of the space available to you. Hence, you must select a water heater that fulfills all your requirements and works well. Here’s a list of the top 3 best apartment-friendly heaters to help you choose.
RinnaiGas Tankless Water Heater
Consider this tankless type if you want a permanent gas heater. It saves energy by only heating it when it is needed. When turned on, it can warm up to 6.5 gallons per minute, which is enough to run your dishwasher, shower, washing machine, and other appliances simultaneously.
Pros and Cons
It is natural gas-powered and tankless and features a 7.5 GPM maximum flow rate and a 10-year heat exchanger guarantee in addition to a five-year labor warranty and a one-year parts warranty.
If the groundwater in your area is colder than normal, the device works harder than it should. There is no WiFi control module present.
Electric Tankless Water Heater EcoSmart
This electric tankless heater is compact but powerful, taking up 12 cubic feet of wall space and warming up to 6.5 gallons of water per minute. Your electricity expenditures could be cut in half as a result of the fact that water is not being heated continuously in a tank.
Benefits And Liabilities
It has a lifetime guarantee, is electric, tankless, and operates at a maximum flow rate of 6.5 GPM. But some clients complained about problems with warranty validation. The guarantee does not cover any necessary labor expenses.
Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Water Heater
The most expensive heater we rated, the Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Water Heater, more than makes up for its price with excellent energy efficiency. This Rheem heater will pay for itself within the first two years by using less energy than a 100w light bulb, thanks to its UEF of 4.0.
This Rheem appliance is simpler to operate for the homeowner than any other heater on the market thanks to WiFi management, a digital display, and an “away” mode to save money on water heating while away from home.
Advantages and Disadvantages
It is Energy Star Certified, $300 Federal Tax Credit Eligible, is 4 times more effective than a typical electric heater, and features a digital display to facilitate control. However, it is more expensive than several rival products.
Guide To Buy The Ideal Water Heater
Hot water is needed all around the house, not just for baths and showers, which makes devices such as heaters essential and desired. Here are a few points to keep in mind while looking for a heater for your apartment.
Power Source
Although gas heaters cost more upfront, their greater efficiency allows you to save money over time. On the other hand, electric heaters are less expensive to purchase and less complicated to install, but they cannot heat enough to power numerous large appliances simultaneously. They are also inefficient, which raises your electricity bill every month. In order to establish the heater’s efficiency, look for an Energy Star rating.
Design
You must pick between a tank or tankless design in addition to the gas or electric options. Warm water is kept in reserve in heaters with storage tanks. The tank can instantly provide you with water when you need it for your sink or shower. In contrast, tankless heaters warm it up as soon as you turn them on. Tankless heaters can’t heat as much quantity at once while being smaller and easier to install.
Size
There is no need to pay much attention to size when purchasing a tankless heater. The size and the location of the heater’s installation are important factors to keep in mind when using a tank heater, though. If you hire a professional, the location might also impact the price of installing a tankless heater. Ascertain that it will fit in your garage, cellar, attic, closet, or other space.
Capacity
Only with water heaters that store in tanks does capacity come into play. Most tanks have a storage capacity of 20 to 100 gallons at once; a bigger capacity corresponds to a larger heater. To ensure a steady supply, a four-person home typically needs a 40 to 50-gallon storage capacity.
Flow Rate
Tankless heaters’ flow rate is measured the same way as tank heaters’ capacity is. A tankless heater’s flow rate is measured as gallons per minute (GPM). The normal range is 1.5 to 10 GPM, with gas units operating at the higher end and electric models sitting on the lower.
Price Range
A heater’s cost varies greatly. The capacity affects the pricing. However, it is advised to choose models from reputable companies that provide warranty and after-sales support.
Other Features To Consider
There are some features that make the product appear more desirable. Let’s look at some additional features and characteristics to look for while purchasing a heater.
Warranty
Given that a heater is a home appliance and there is always a chance that it could break down at some point, you should choose a warranty over any other feature. The appliance’s warranty guarantees that it will be covered for repairs from the manufacturer, allowing for real after-sales servicing. The guarantee will be honored if you purchase a heater from a reputable manufacturer and have a valid invoice.
Auto-Off
You should also be on the lookout for auto-off, which is a valuable function. In essence, it guards against both overheating and the heater using more electricity than usual. The heater will shut off on its own, leaving you with a heater to use the following time without having to get it fixed right away.
Energy Consumption
The majority of consumers wouldn’t give a random geyser a second thought just because a salesperson suggested they buy it. The power consumption that is frequently highlighted with energy stars can significantly reduce power costs.
Water Pressure
Make sure to purchase a geyser that can adjust water pressure as needed. For people with low water pressure in their houses, this feature is crucial. The recommended pressure range is 2 to 6 bars, and the geyser can help maintain the pressure with its rated water pressure feature.
Conclusion
As an item which is used almost everyday around the house, it is important to choose one that would fill all your requirements and needs. Just because it’s an apartment doesn’t mean that you must compromise your requirements and needs and settle for a product that might not be your fit.
