The Essential Commercial Water Heater Installation Tips Your Business Will Need
Hot water on demand — if only water heaters were that simple. Add the fact that you need commercial-grade equipment to achieve this goal, and you may just find yourself in “hot water” should you fail to get proper installation.
Commercial water heaters could become a pain point in your business, when equipment malfunctions and you’ve got, for example, guests at your sports club waiting to take hot showers. Your water heaters may also become the source of major expenses, with energy consumption increasing your utility bills or equipment needing frequent repairs.
To avoid such stressful and costly problems for your business, you need to start with the installation. Here are the essential commercial water heater installation tips.
Pick the appropriate commercial water heater equipment.
The Department of Energy lists the following as commercial water heater equipment:
- Electric
- Gas-fired
- Oil-fired commercial storage water heaters
- Gas-fired and oil-fired instantaneous water heaters
- Hot water supply boilers
- Unfired hot water storage tanks
Instantaneous water heaters heat water on demand whereas storage water heaters heat and keep water in a thermostatically controlled tank. Meanwhile, hot water supply boilers heat potable water for purposes other than space heating. Unfired hot water storage tanks store externally heated water. Figure out which equipment suits your needs and business.
Consider the design of the commercial water heater equipment.
Some equipment will require longer service simply because of the way it is built. A tank that is hard to get into and out of could mean more labor cost for your business, when the equipment needs upkeep or repair.
Some commercial water heater installers may suggest specific equipment because they make it easier to protect your investment. For example, side-plumbed tanks are ideal if your property has sufficient room for it. Installers explain that if a connection leaks, there is a chance that the water will drip on the floor instead of on the water heater, which might have little external rust protection.
Choose your installer carefully.
Your installer determines the longevity and performance of your commercial water heater. You need to make sure that your installer has done countless jobs with different businesses, and that it has provided satisfactory, if not outstanding, services. Some of the red flags to watch out for are: late deliveries, wrong deliveries, and installation personnel who cannot respond to basic questions about your water heater equipment.
Whether hot water on demand is central to your business operation or simply a small fraction of it, you need to make sure you’re getting this commercial-grade appliance placed properly. With professional installation, your investment is secure and you guarantee performance and longevity from your water heater.