A new commercial water heater is a vital investment for any property. In fact, for certain businesses such as restaurants and hotels, the model and size of equipment you buy can make or break you. Buying the wrong commercial water heaters can have massive financial implications.
Business owners and property managers should be keen to avoid costly mistakes during the purchase and installation of a commercial water heater. Here are five such pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
1. Lack of Proper Research
Commercial water heaters can gobble up a significant portion of your business operational costs. Most hoteliers and property managers tend to skimp on their research for the water heater required. They fail to understand the exact hot water needs for their buildings. The uninformed customers then end up buying equipment that doesn’t meet their energy and capacity requirements.
Look into the different models and brands of commercial water heaters available. Find out whether it is more economical to buy one large storage water heater or go for multiple smaller tankless models. Analyze the exact hot water requirements in your building before settling on a specific unit.
2. Overlooking Energy Efficiency Ratings
Initial investment costs are relatively high. It leads to some business owners opting for cheaper models with lower energy ratings. While you may save a few bucks initially, the purchase can prove costly in the long run. Research shows that water heating accounts for approximately 18% of the average property’s energy use.
According to the Department of Energy, investing in an energy-efficient water heater can reduce your energy bill by up to 15%. A tankless electric water heater is 22% more energy efficient than the traditional model. Therefore, ensure that you way all the available options and calculate cost based on a long term view as opposed to immediate savings.
3. Purchasing the Wrong Heater Size
Commercial water heaters come in a variety of sizes and models. Wrongfully estimating your hot water needs may lead to the purchase of incompatible equipment. Underestimation creates water shortages, which can be disastrous for hotels, restaurants, and apartment blocks. Overestimation leads to unnecessarily higher initial costs and operating expenses. Identify the peak hours for hot water use and use this to find the rightly-sized model for your property.
4. Ignoring Commercial Water Heater Service Options
Most customers do not factor in the life service of the unit before making a decision. A well-maintained water heater can last for up to two decades. However, frequent use in a commercial setting means more wear and tear. Ask about the warranty policies of the units. Look into the commercial water heater services available. What support options does the vendor provide?
5. Focusing Solely on Pricing
While the total cost of purchase and installation will influence your buying decision, it should not be the deciding factor. Overlooking other vital elements such as energy efficiency, size, and fuel type and storage options may prove to be costly in the end. Do shy away from investing in high-quality equipment that will serve your apartment block for years to come.
Buying commercial water heaters is a considerable investment for any commercial property. Avoiding these five costly mistakes can help you avoid burning your fingers when running your business.