Friday 9 November 2007

Pic of the day: New, smaller electric hotwater tank.

Short: Hotwater tank

Today the hotwater tank in the house was replaced. The old one was leaking for a couple weeks, though not much. The new is smaller but hopefully will still use less energy, since it is more modern. (Generally, small tanks lose more heat since they have a larger surface compared to volume, and insulation is never perfect. But this comes pretty close - the new tank is barely warmer than the air around it on a cold day.)

The old heater was about 20 years old according to the landlord (or rather the landlord's mother, who told me earlier this week that they had arranged the replacement). The landlord is paying for this, as is good and proper. I'm certainly not complaining on the rent here, but I think even with the occasional maintenance he should have no problem running a small profit. Of course, the rent really doesn't matter nearly as much as the general development in house prices. I am pretty sure the house has grown in value by far more this past year than the rent I have paid. If the hotwater tank had exploded eventually, it would certainly have been more expensive than replacing it.

Yet another of those things I don't have to worry about when renting. Owning is more profitable, but you have to take your own risks. Of course, the flip side is that I have no say in how long I can stay here. If the landlord suddenly decides to sell it, I'll have to move again. All things have their price. But for me, the hotwater tank was free.