When Kitchen Remodeling Gets You Into Hot Water

by Gabby Hyman
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Many people undertake a major kitchen remodeling project and learn too late that their new system either over-taxes their pre-existing water heater, or that they could have cut long-term energy costs by installing an on-demand kitchen water heater. Most European, Asian, and Caribbean nations have already learned that on-demand water heaters save money. Before you leap at a new water heating system as part of your kitchen remodeling campaign, it's essential to evaluate your current and anticipated needs. Perhaps you're one of the unfortunates who step into the shower after everyone else has had a turn, the washing machine is going, the dishwasher is churning away in the kitchen, and the moment you're delightfully soaped and ready, the shower water turns ice cold.

Measuring Your Gas or Electric Water Heater

Whether you're heating with gas, electric, or propane, your heater capacity should hold approximately 30 to 40 gallons for a single-bedroom home. The BTU rating on your heater measures how many gallons it raises to 90 degrees in each hour of use. Hence, you don't run out of water, you run out of hot water.

Dedicating an electric on-demand water heater to your kitchen sink means it won't affect the rest of the house supply when you cook or do dishes. The system continues to heat water a few moments after you turn off the tap. You'll only use hot water when you need it, rather than paying to store it

Even if you don't change out water heaters during your kitchen remodeling project, it's a good idea to check the thermostat settings on your existing unit. Many consumers set their temperatures at 140°F when the recommended settings call for 120°F. Then they wonder why their energy bills keep rising while their water temperatures remain constant.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.