Solar Alternative
I recently checked in solar hot water. I need to replace my hot waterheater and thought it a good time to check into the cost of solar hot water. I have a family of five- two adults and 3 young children.
The cost would be approximately $13,000. Wow! I figured it would be costly but I was hoping that it wouldn’t be that much. Now I’m going to check into the most efficient types/brands of water heaters. Right now I have a gas hot water tank that’s about 12 years old. This is pretty old for a hot water heater so I definitely want to replace it before it goes.
I’ve heard of a type of water heater that heats the water as you use it (sort of an in-line heater). I’m not sure how appropriate this is if you use a lot of hot water. I will definitely be looking at energy star ratings and won’t leave it up to the plumber to choose. I’ll approach it as a few more bucks for a high energy efficiency rating will be well worth it. I know there are ones also that can prevent a flood if something happens to the heater!
on December 22, 2007 on 7:13 am
13k???? We just had ours installed for 4k with 2k in rebates. Out of pocket cost to us. 2k bucks. Shop around thats WAY too much.
–JP
on February 7, 2008 on 1:34 am
There are options available to you such as the whole house insti-hot units that heat up a certain amount of water each time you need it. I’ve heard great things from the people I know who own them.