Although it is not essential in many Filipino homes, having a water heater is a great convenience. We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon and appliance services provider in the Philippines, and we’ve got a guide to water heaters that might convince you to get one, if you haven’t yet!
Health Benefits of Cold Showers
Although having a cold shower is not a pleasant experience for most, especially first thing in the morning, it can have some health advantages.
Improved Blood Circulation
Cold water makes the blood vessels on the skin’s epidermis contract. This redirects blood flow away from the skin’s surface. In fact, a study discovered that having a cold shower after exercise may enhance overall hydration by chilling the body significantly.
Blood arteries in deeper bodily tissues widen as blood flows away from the surface. This increases circulation in deeper tissues.
Lowered Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is the “fight-or-flight” hormone released by the body in reaction to stress. Reducing cortisol levels in the blood may consequently aid in stress reduction. Researchers have discovered that when people immerse themselves in cold water, their cortisol levels drop rather significantly.
Reduced Pain Levels
Cold showers and baths, according to research, causes an instinctive pain response known as stress-induced analgesia. Diminished pain response during or after exposure to stressful stimuli, such as cold water immersion, is referred to as SIA.
Diminished Sports-related Muscle Pain and Swelling
Prior research from 2009 looked at the impact of cold showers on athletes’ physical performance. Following their respective sporting events, some athletes were given cold showers, while others were given tepid showers.
The researchers found no changes in later physical ability between the two groups, nor in the degree of muscle injury or inflammation reported by the subjects.
However, sensations of muscular pain and overall weariness were much lower in the cold shower group. This psychological influence may be advantageous during competitive sports.
Health Benefits of Hot Showers
It is difficult to find folks who do not appreciate hot showers. After all, who can resist a soothing sensation as they clean up after a hard day at work? These showers aren’t only pleasurable, they’re quite healthy to engage in, too.
Better Cardiovascular Health
Warm showers appear to enhance blood flow in adults with chronic heart failure, according to a 2014 hydrotherapy research. This is due to the natural expansion of blood vessels caused by high temperatures.
Other researchers looked at the impact of hot showers on arterial stiffness, which happens when the arteries in the body become less flexible. Arterial stiffness is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease atherosclerosis, which can result in high blood pressure.
Improved Muscle and Joint Health
As previously said, hot showers may increase blood flow, which can help relieve tight joints and fatigued muscles. Meanwhile, cold showers can help decrease inflammation and numb discomfort.
Sleeping Better
Taking a hot shower or bath before bedtime is recommended by many health-oriented organizations as a technique to promote sleep.
A hot shower may increase sleep quality because of how the body relaxes when bathing and the subsequent drop in body temperature.
If you arrived at the conclusion that you need one of these water heaters in order to enjoy the best of both worlds in showering, keep reading to find out where to get one.
Where to Buy a Water Heater
It’s crucial to remember that when purchasing a significant item like a water heater, you should only buy from reputable retailers to avoid receiving a subpar machine. It’s also worth considering online stores so you won’t have to go out and save time, while still buying the same manufacturer-priced appliance.
ConcepStore is, at its heart, a fully stocked online appliance store that is always ready to meet your home and electrical appliance needs. It gathers new and innovative appliances and gadgets from top brands together in one place. Thanks to their local operations, you may anticipate your purchase to arrive within 24 hours after confirming your payment. Their guarantee is also extensive! You are entitled to a complete and free replacement within one year if your product breaks or is deemed to be faulty. All ConcepStore products are genuine manufacturers’ products that have passed BPS Philippine Standard Safety Certification and SGS Fimko, Ltd. accreditation testing.
Types of Water Heaters
When it comes time to buy a water heater or replace an old one, you may quickly learn that not only are there various types of water heaters available, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. With so many current options on the market, it’s always preferable to be informed about your options rather than relying on chance or a possibly biased “specialist” salesman.
Water heaters are classified into four main types. Each has its own innovative qualities and energy efficiency, so it’s well worth your time to learn about them all before buying.
1. Conventional Water Heater
Conventional water heaters are one of the most popular types. They have a large insulated tank that stores and warms the water.
Pros:
- Lower initial cost – Unless you choose an ultra-modern model, you’ll likely pay significantly less on the initial upfront expenditures of a traditional water heater than you would for any of the other options.
- Efficient in all climates – No matter where you live in the globe, you can be confident that a conventional water heater will perform flawlessly. It will give consistent and smooth operation if adequately maintained.
- Lower installation expenses – In addition to having attractive starting prices, traditional water heaters are also affordable to install. This, of course, is dependent on where you intend to build and if you will require plumbing, gas, or electrical setups.
Cons:
- Increased energy waste – Because traditional water heaters include a steady supply of warm water, they are constantly consuming energy to keep the temperature stable.
- It takes up a lot of space – There’s no getting around the size of a traditional water heater. Because they are intended to house a reservoir of warm water, they tend to be on the bigger side of the size spectrum.
- Water damage vulnerability – One of the most severe fatal defects of traditional water heaters is their vulnerability to water damage. If you fail to do regular routine maintenance checks, you may wind up dealing with rust and corrosion, which can jeopardize the operation and health of your water heater. This might potentially result in substantial and costly water damage to your house.
2. Tankless Water Heater
Through super-heated coils, tankless water heaters may create immediate hot water. These coils fill up with water as soon as you turn on the water, providing near-limitless hot water for your house.
Pros:
- Instant hot water – Rather than having to wait for chilly water to change into warm water and warm to turn into hot, tankless water heaters deliver instant hot water when you need it. Because these models only heat water as needed, they consume less energy overall, especially when compared to a traditional heater.
- Saves space – One of the most noticeable advantages of a tankless water heater is its small size. Tankless variants do not require any cumbersome storage space because they do not require a continual reservoir of water. This allows them to be easily mounted on walls or stored in small nooks and crannies.
- Lower monthly costs – Installing a tankless water heater in your house significantly lowers your monthly electric bill, saving you thousands of pesos on a yearly basis. The reduced requirement for energy flow allows you to reap the benefits of your power-saving decision. You may use our tool here to estimate its power consumption.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost – These types of water heaters are considerably above average. While there are several advantages to switching, people on a tight budget will have to wait a while before making up the cost difference.
- There is no discernible advantage over comparable low-cost alternatives – Tankless water heaters are much more expensive than a variety of other water heater options, but they do not always come with highly outstanding bonuses that are difficult to get with less costly alternatives.
3. Heat Pump Water Heater
These types operate without generating heat directly, often referred to as hybrid water heaters. The only electricity utilized is to move heat from point to point by using the heat in the earth and surrounding air.
Pros:
- Heat pump water heaters use around 60% less energy than traditional water heaters. Though heat pump heaters have a higher average cost than tankless heaters, you’ll realize the benefits of energy savings sooner.
- They’re the most energy-efficient alternatives to gasoline, oil, and electric water heaters in the long run. Heat pump water heaters hold a lot of potential for people looking for a water heater that is both energy and cost-effective.
- Heat pump systems are incredibly low-maintenance when it comes to routine checkups. Maintaining your hybrid system may be simply self-assessed and accomplished with only a once-a-year check. A professional inspection of your system is advised every 3 to 5 years.
Cons:
- Heat pump water heaters have a life duration of around ten years on average. They pale in comparison to solar and tankless heaters, which have an average lifespan of 20 years, and conventional systems, which have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
- Heat pump water heaters need at least 1,000 cubic feet of area to function safely and efficiently.
- This carbon-neutral device will undoubtedly turn off anyone hoping for a water heater that minimizes their carbon impact.
4. Solar Water Heater
Solar water heaters rely on the sun’s energy. They function by transferring energy from roof-mounted panels to a closed-loop system that links to a water tank, which subsequently heats the water.
Pros:
- Solar heaters are by far the most energy-efficient water heaters available today since they use renewable energy. Solar power may be harnessed everywhere the sun’s rays reach on any given day since it is entirely reliant on sunlight.
- Lower utility bills – Solar panels are not only highly eco-friendly but they are also relatively cost-effective. While the initial installation cost may be offputtingly high, switching to solar may dramatically lower your water and power expenses.
Cons:
- Only suitable for sun-drenched environments: Upgrade to a solar water heater if you live in a shaded location or in a climate where there are more wet days than sunny days.
- Installation costs – One of the most significant disadvantages of solar water heating is the expense of installing solar panels. If you’ve decided to go solar, there are a variety of financing options available to help you get started.
- Rooftop area requirements – The more power you consume from your solar panels, the more panels you will require. The more solar panels you have, the more roof space you’ll require. If your house is tiny, your roof might not be able to support the amount of panel electricity you need.
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying A Water Heater
Knowing the type of water heater you need or want might be beneficial, but here are the things you have to consider further before handing over your cash.
1.) The Tank vs. the Tankless Water Heater
Tank water heaters are available in two varieties: gas and electric. Both gas and electric heaters are insulated and can keep the inside water warm. Furthermore, both contain a thermostat for temperature control. The primary distinction between a tank and a tankless water heater is the simplicity of operation and energy efficiency. Because they do not store heated water, tankless water heaters appear to deliver an infinite hot water supply. Instead, it warms water on demand or as needed.
2.) Dimensions/Storage Capacity
Your family’s demands should ultimately influence the type of water heater you pick. That being stated, the size of your water heater should be determined by the number of people in your home. If you want a continuous supply of hot water for all family members, you need to think about the capacity of your water heater.
3.) Energy Conservation
Consider purchasing an energy-efficient water heater to save money on your utility expenses. This not only saves cash but also makes the best use of energy. Choosing an energy-efficient water heater can help you save up to 60% on your power cost.
4.) Preferences for Design
When it comes to water heaters, there is virtually no shortage of alternatives in today’s market. Having said that, you have a plethora of options at your disposal. This does not, however, imply that you can simply pick one that performs the job. Choose the most excellent water heater for your area to ensure that it complements the overall design and appearance of your house.
5.) Budget
Prior to purchasing a water heater, you must evaluate your budget like you would any other purchase. Before you go to the store or the site, make a rough estimate of the yearly running and maintenance costs. First, compare numerous water heaters to see which one is the best in terms of quality, price, and features.
6.) Warranty
Different manufacturers provide varying lengths of warranty. Choose one that you are pleased with to guarantee that you receive enough repair and maintenance assistance for your product if any components are damaged.
Water Heater Installation
While this guide strives to assist you as much as possible, the people behind it simply do not believe that a DIY water heater installation is safe unless you are a qualified expert yourself. The chances of this being a good idea are pretty slim. Trust the specialists with your water heater installation to ensure a proper installation. You wouldn’t want to endanger yourself or your family.
Most home improvement projects are stressful, but installing water heaters is incredibly demanding. Working with plumbing, moving heavy equipment, and ensuring wiring are secure and accurate takes time, especially if you’re not used to it.
When it comes to this service, Teko is perhaps the finest in the market. Just book a water heater installation service in three simple steps online anytime.
Precautions When Using A Water Heater
IFor starters, it is advised that you read your owner’s manual before anything else, as most safety instructions are there, too. And while the precautions we are about to discuss will be of utmost importance, there might be instructions in those manuals that are brand-specific. So, do your due diligence. We understand that this sounds like a lot of work, but the return is being able to utilize your appliance for much longer and possibly even pass it down to the next generation. Please read the precautions below.
- If you see any damage, cracks, leaking, or weakness, call a technician to check it as soon as possible.
- Be careful not to overtighten any of the connecting points. This might result in significant internal damage to the device.
- Keep in mind that water heated at higher temperatures accumulates minerals faster than water heated at lower temperatures.
- If the water supply has an extremely high degree of mineralization, we recommend regular maintenance once a year or every six months.
- Every six months, clean the pre-filter on the inlet. To eliminate any particles, gently give this a wash.
Disposal of Water Heater
Most electric tankless water heaters are relatively small appliances. They can be thrown away with ease along with your other trash. Needless to say, you must observe proper segregation in doing so.
If the old water heater is still working, and you’re simply buying a new one to upgrade, consider selling or donating it to a worthy organization. This is an efficient way to dispose of your old heater. If it’s not functional anymore, consider contacting your local junk shop and see if they would take it off your hands for scraps.
