Gas Pool Heaters
If you have your own pool, you know how wonderful it can be. It is a great way to have fun and get exercise while you enjoy life. If you live in an area that has a cooler climate during the winter months, you may be used to closing up the pool for a few months because the water gets too cold to swim in. If you keep your pool warm, you will be able to enjoy it year round. Gas pool heaters are a cost-efficient way to keep your pool heated to a comfortable temperature. This allows you to create an enjoyable environment for your friends and family. Because they are relatively inexpensive and are more energy efficient than electric heaters, gas heaters are definitely a winning option for swimming pool owners who want to use their pool year round.
Gas pool heaters can either be fueled by liquid propane or natural gas. These are both high-performance types of heaters and are able to heat the large amount of water in a swimming pool faster than the less-efficient electric pool heaters. By using gas heaters, your water will be heated more quickly and you don't have to wait as long before beginning swimming. With today's economy, you want to get more bang for your buck, so quicker heating water means more swimming, and with gas prices less than electricity, you have a win-win situation. Both propane and natural gas pool heaters are less costly and more efficient than electricity, but natural gas heaters usually cost only about half what propane gas pool heaters cost. However, your costs could increase if you don't already have a natural gas line that has been installed on your property. Installation of a natural gas supply line could be expensive, but in the long run, it may still be worth it.
As with most kinds of heaters, there are many different styles and models of pool heaters that you can choose from. As you make comparisons, you will want to be sure to look at a couple of things. First, the BTU, or British Thermal Units, rating is included on the specifications for each heater. This unit expresses the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a swimming pool one degree F (Fahrenheit.) The higher the BTU rating number, the faster the heater will be able to heat the water in your swimming pool. This rating also affects the cost. The gas pool heaters with the higher BTU ratings will be more expensive than those with lower BTU ratings.
Another rating that should be considered is the energy-efficiency rating. For instance, gas pool heaters with an efficiency of 80% waste 20% of the energy needed to operate them. The higher the rating, the less energy is wasted, and the more environmentally friendly the unit is. This will also affect the cost. As you compare units, you will have to decide where your happy medium is. You want to be both cost-effective and energy-efficient. Remember, that paying a higher price now for a less-wasteful unit can translate into lower energy charges over the years, and it may actually be more cost-effective in the long run.
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