Centralized water heating versus individual water heaters seems to vary significantly market-by-market. The farther north, the more heating of water is centralized. Farther south, where electricity can often be cheaper, tend to see individual water heaters. Individual (electric) water heaters also mean that tenants are directly paying to heat their own water, versus the owner (who may or many not recoup the costs via RUBS).
Relatedly, it seems from a first cost perspective, a centralized water heating system is less expensive up north while individual water heaters are less expensive further south. I wonder if that just tracks with "standard practice" in the given market rather than anything else.
For context, this is based on my experience in Milwaukee (always centralized gas-fired boilers) versus Kansas City, MO and Lexington, KY (typically individual electric water heaters in each apartment).
Great explanation. In all southeast projects, I design the individual low-boy water heater with a water sub-meter for the exact reasons you listed. The electricity costs are low and the electric and water bill is passed onto the resident.
I can definitely see where the cost savings would come into play when you start building taller versus spread out low to mid-rise garden style apartments.
Centralized water heating versus individual water heaters seems to vary significantly market-by-market. The farther north, the more heating of water is centralized. Farther south, where electricity can often be cheaper, tend to see individual water heaters. Individual (electric) water heaters also mean that tenants are directly paying to heat their own water, versus the owner (who may or many not recoup the costs via RUBS).
Relatedly, it seems from a first cost perspective, a centralized water heating system is less expensive up north while individual water heaters are less expensive further south. I wonder if that just tracks with "standard practice" in the given market rather than anything else.
For context, this is based on my experience in Milwaukee (always centralized gas-fired boilers) versus Kansas City, MO and Lexington, KY (typically individual electric water heaters in each apartment).
Great explanation. In all southeast projects, I design the individual low-boy water heater with a water sub-meter for the exact reasons you listed. The electricity costs are low and the electric and water bill is passed onto the resident.
I can definitely see where the cost savings would come into play when you start building taller versus spread out low to mid-rise garden style apartments.
Great comments Andrew and Mike! I agree with both of you. Differs by part of the country you are working in. Great insights!
Great write up! The same can be said when providing Managed WiFi Internet services for a property!
Again this is an area I can help research options so please reach out if you ever need anything.
Thanks
Joe
Thanks Joe!