One of the costs of living in an apartment complex is utilities. This can include heating, hot water, electricity, and more.
Some apartment buildings install individual water heaters in every unit, while others use industrial hot water systems that distribute hot water throughout a building. This can make a difference in how you are billed and how much hot water you get.
Water Heater Size
The water heater size of an average apartment is a big question that needs to be answered. Luckily, there are numerous products on the market that can fit the bill. The newest and greatest are not only energy efficient but also designed with the long-term well being of tenants in mind. For starters, they feature a reversing heat pump to cool down the water as it passes through a specialized heating exchanger. In addition, they have central air conditioning systems to keep everyone comfortable throughout the year. One of the most important things to remember when considering an appliance is that a properly sized model will last longer and save money on utility bills. Using a professional to help you find the right model is the way to go. The best way to determine what you need is to get a free quote from an accredited dealer. This will not only allow you to choose the most energy efficient product possible, but also ensure that you receive the highest quality service for years to come.
Water Heater Energy Efficiency
Water heater energy efficiency is an important consideration for apartment owners. A high efficiency storage tank water heater can help reduce the amount of fuel that is used in heating your hot water, which can result in lower energy costs for your residents and building owners.
Choosing an efficient water heater can be a big investment, but it is well worth it in the long run. Fortunately, there are several types of water heaters that provide energy savings without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
For example, heat pump water heaters (HE) use a combination of heat transfer methods to deliver fast and efficient hot water. They also save money because they extract more heat energy from the fuel than standard water heaters. These water heaters can be a great choice for apartment complexes seeking to implement a green program.
In addition to HE, indirect water heaters (IWH) and integrated space/water heaters are two other types of energy efficient water heaters. These systems use a heat exchanger that transfers the energy from a water heater tank to a heating coil in an air handler. The heated air is then blown into the ductwork for space heating.
These type of water heaters are designed for homes that use up to 41 gallons of hot water per day. These water heaters are 24%-34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank models, depending on the size and model selected.
Another popular type of water heater is demand models. These are most often powered by natural gas, liquid propane, or oil. These models can be a good choice for apartments that need to provide hot water to multiple people, as they will only need to be fired when each person needs it.
New water heaters manufactured after April 16, 2015 are required to conform to certain energy efficiency standards. These regulations apply to all tanks 50 gallons and larger. These requirements will result in 3% to 30% greater efficiency over older water heaters, but these gains can add up to significant savings for your building and the environment.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater doesn’t have a tank, which makes them a great choice for tight spaces. They use much less energy than conventional water heaters, and they have a long life. They also deliver hot water instantly based on demand, so there’s never a risk of running out of hot water.
They can be found in both gas and electric models from a variety of popular manufacturers, including Rinnai, Rheem, Noritz, Stiebel Eltron, Bosch, Takagi, and others. They come in a variety of sizes and flow rates to meet your specific space needs.
In addition to saving energy, tankless water heaters are often more convenient and cost-effective than traditional systems. They are usually easier to install and have a shorter repair cycle, which helps minimize maintenance costs.
While they do cost more than their traditional counterparts, the money saved in energy costs can cover the initial investment and be well worth the upfront expense. They can also save you money on repairs, replacements, and emergency services.
Moreover, tankless water heaters have an incredibly high efficiency rating. They’re also more environmentally friendly than their traditional counterparts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
If you’re a landlord or property owner, you might want to consider installing a tankless water heater in your multifamily building. They can reduce your energy costs and make your building more attractive to tenants, which can increase occupancy.
Tankless systems are becoming more common in residential housing, especially in brand new city luxury high-rise apartments. In fact, one third of respondents in a 2019 Multifamily Design and Construction Amenities Survey said they had installed a tankless water heater in an apartment or condominium in the previous 12-18 months.
They are a smart solution to hot water problems in multifamily buildings, where standby heat loss is a serious problem. In addition to improving energy efficiency, tankless water heaters eliminate the issue of cold showers and other inconveniences that can deter residents from staying in a multifamily building.
Lastly, they offer unlimited hot water, so you don’t have to worry about wasting money on wasted water because someone used up the entire supply. You can also get tankless units with recirculation pumps that push the cold water back through the system, reducing waiting time and saving water.
Commercial Water Heaters
Some apartments do have individual water heaters, while others have a central water heater that provides hot water to all of the units. This can make it difficult to control your water heater, but it can also save you money on your heating bills.
Some apartment complexes use recirculation systems to deliver hot water from the basement to each unit in the building. These systems are a good option if you have a small space or a limited budget and can’t afford to install a tankless water heater.
Despite these limitations, tankless water heaters are a popular choice for apartment buildings as they are more energy efficient than traditional models. They’re also smaller and take up less room.
However, these systems do have a bit of a lag time before you can turn on the water. This lag time is due to the fact that these units heat the water on demand, rather than constantly warming a large tank of water.
Commercial water heaters also feature anti-scale features, which can help prevent a buildup of mineral deposits. This can be beneficial for busy businesses where a lot of water is being used at once.
Another advantage of commercial water heaters is their ability to be installed remotely. This can be especially helpful if you’re leasing a property to a business that’s in an unfamiliar area.
Many commercial water heaters also come with a digital display. These displays allow you to easily change the temperature and other settings of the heater, making it easy for you to customize your equipment and keep it running efficiently.
Some commercial water heaters have an electronic ignition and a standing pilot light, which means that they’ll work in the event of a power outage. They can also be a safety feature in case of fire or if a tenant accidentally shuts down the system.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a commercial water heater is that it needs to suit your specific needs. This includes the size, energy efficiency, and other important features.
You should always consult with a professional before choosing a water heater for your commercial property. They’ll be able to help you decide which model will best serve your needs and budget. They’ll also be able to recommend a professional installer to ensure that the heater will operate as expected.