Key Points of Changing from a Gas to Electric Water System
Posted on: 28 July 2017
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For various reasons, you may find yourself facing a water system changeover. In many cases, this refers to the changeover from gas power to electric power for the residential water system. If this is the type of water system changeover you are facing, there are a few things you should know before the changeover begins. These key points can help you better prepare for the changeover and decide what options you may want to take as well:
Knowing Your Power Load
Every home has a power load that gives the capacity of the amount of electrical or gas power than can be handled by the energy unit in the home. When you are making a change over from gas to electric, this load capacity needs to be checked. This load capacity deals directly with how much energy can be provided to the hot water system. This affects two main points of your home. The first is the cost of your energy bills per month. If more energy is needed to keep the water hot in the water heater system, your bills will naturally go up. Also, the energy output will affect the temperature of the water and how hot you can get the water without having to expend more energy to get it hotter and keep it at that temperature.
Shutting Off Unused Lines
In some homes, gas is only used in the kitchen and laundry area. This means that a gas heating unit, such as a gas pipe, is used to run the energy to the cooker or the dryer and water heater. When you make the changeover you will need to make sure that the lines are safely capped off and cleared. For this reason, many cities will not allow the changeover to be done as a DIY project and require that permits are in place and a certified plumber is available to handle the changeover.
Water Tank Duality
Before you begin the changeover you will need to have the water tank checked to ensure that it can be switched over from gas to electric. In some cases, you may have a water system that is dual purpose allowing you to use either energy source. In other cases, you may need to replace the hot water heater and other parts of the water system in order for the changeover to work and be safe.
If you are ready to move forward with the changeover from a gas powered to an electrically powered water system, contact your local plumber. They can give you pricing as well as estimates and information regarding local permits.
Contact a company that offers hot water system changeovers for more information and assistance.