Submitted by Boggs Inspection Services
A friend of mine, Gary Altman of Altman Construction, is building a duplex to serve as a rental unit and is installing radiant heated floors. Gary is always looking at ways to save himself and his renters on electric and heating bills.
Gary, unlike many builders and investors, looks at the long term. He understands that including upgrades, such as radiant heat, will provide him a better return on investment when the time comes to sell the property. Several of his rentals include solar panels as well.
His newest idea, which I fully support, is to install the A. O. Smith Vertex 90 % efficiency hot water heater. It is a 76,000 BTU conventional tank-style water heater that promises a thermal efficiency rating above 90% giving you nearly endless hot water. This is done by replacing the standard vertical flu with an internal helical heating coil. This increases the heated surface area where heat is transferred from the element to the water within the tank.
By increasing the surface area of the heating coil, the tank can provide the 76,000 BTUs while maintaining 90% thermal efficiency and still providing an estimated 127-gallon first hour delivery and a 93 gallon per hour recovery rate. All of these statistics translate into continuous hot water all the time no matter how many teenagers are taking showers or loads of laundry you run.
The great part about this style of conventional tank is that unlike the tank-less models, most existing homes are already set up for this style water tank so there is no need for expensive alterations. When changing from a conventional water heater to a tank-less heater, there are often changes required to the plumbing of the home. Gas lines may also need to be changed, venting can be a major consideration, and water lines may need to be re-routed.
For home owners and landlords alike this is a great alternative to the trend of upgrading you old hot water tank to tank-less. It’s a lot less expensive and a lot less hassle.
For more information on Boggs Inspection Services, click here or call 360-480-9602. Boggs Inspection Services conducts home inspections throughout Thurston County.
