Commercial properties each have their own unique hot water needs based on their size and occupants. Much like a home plumbing system, you’ll have to determine what will work the best for you, taking into account square footage, usage and any specific features you’ll need.
What Do You Need Hot Water For?
In assessing your best option, think about what the water will be going towards. Do you own a restaurant that requires you to constantly wash dishes and utensils? Do you own a large, multi-family building with multiple baths and sinks per unit? Do you own an office space that will only need hot water occasionally? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the best path.
Water Heating Fuel Types
There are three top candidates when it comes to fueling your heater:
Tank Storage or On-Demand
Once you’ve decided on a fuel source, you then need to choose whether to go with a tank or tankless/on-demand water heater.
Tank Placement
Along with considering the tank style and heat source, you also need to figure out where your water heaters will go. For instance, if you have a larger apartment building, you might opt for an in-unit heater. For smaller buildings, you may only need one tank in the basement or mechanical room.
Tank Size
You’ll need to decide on the tank size best suited to your building. Undershoot your estimate, and you’ll have tenants waiting longer for their shower to heat up, leading to water waste. If you overshoot, you’ll be heating up gallons of unused water. To get an accurate assessment of your building’s needs, consult a professional.
Pricing
The last box to check off in your search for the right water heater is the price point. Consider fueling, maintenance and installation costs when making the decision. If you already have a tank system installed, making the switch to a tankless one could cost a few thousand dollars. Factor that in with usage and how many units you’ll need. It’s also about half the cost to operate a storage tank compared to an on-demand model. Lastly, payback time for an investment in tankless water heaters is around 15 years compared to 7 years for a tank.
Get Your Commercial Water Heater Checked by NPI
Making sure that your water heater runs smoothly is another way that you can cut down on costs. Find your local NPI inspector and schedule an inspection today.
