Shopping for a domestic hot water cylinder should be relatively simple and straightforward.
There are a handful of energy sources that can be used, from electric and natural gas to electrical, but a plethora of cylinder sizes that store the water itself.
That range of choice is good news, but there are providers who sell shopper short.
Time to open a discussion about the most prevalent red flags that are raised by consumers in this market.
No Informative Advice or Flexible Options Presented
Providers of a domestic hot water cylinder should be able to take onboard the quantity demands, terrain and budget of the consumer and present them with a series of suitable options. When there are gaps for intellectual property to showcase a low level of expertise, that is a red flag for shoppers to avoid at all costs. Sometimes it is a signal of poor customer service, but in many instances it will be a result of a lack of investment at a local level. Customers in this industry want flexibility, taking onboard advice of specialists who have years behind them in the industry. When those details are kept confidential and discussions do not elaborate beyond what is presented on the website or in store, that is a signal that they are doing a disservice.
Lack of One-on-One Maintenance Care
From natural gas and solar to electric brands, domestic hot water cylinders need ongoing maintenance and care. Even if these consultations are only booked on an annual basis, they need a specialist to arrive on site and ensure they are running at an optimal level. This will indicate whether or not they are viable and need any repairs or replacements ordered. If all of that heavy lifting for booking maintenance has to be undertaken by the consumer, then they are not looking out for the interests of their constituents.
Well Above Market Price
It barely takes 60 seconds for the average consumer to gauge how much domestic hot water cylinders will likely cost. Just by a generic Google search on a mobile device, users can access a global economy where prices and brands are brandished unfiltered, removing any confusion about how much a 100L or 200L model will require at the bottom line. If their goods are consistently above those valuations with no inclusions for installation and warranty, then they should be avoided.
Lack of Extensive Warranty
Domestic hot water cylinders that are offered to constituents without protecting their investment under an extensive warranty are not doing their customers justice. Despite the best technology implemented from developers and all of the protective measures that are put in place for gas, electric and solar brands, businesses have to mitigate against risks from internal and external sources. These policies can range anywhere between 5 to 10 or 20 years in some cases. Customers should be wary of outlets that shortchange through a minimal warranty agreement.
Poor Rating For Energy Efficiency
Domestic hot water cylinders have to stand next to their peers on the count of energy efficiency. If they are items that require a higher consumption of energy to produce the same hot water service, they are not worthy of the business of local consumers. One of the best elements of shopping in this sector is the transparency that is enforced for brands operating in this marketplace. Courtesy of an energy star rating system, each outlet is rated out of 6 stars by an independent arbiter. The lower the star rating, the worse the brand is.
Summary
These red flags from suppliers of domestic hot water cylinders are signals for homeowners and consumers everywhere. They illustrate some home truths about the business and their ultimate values as a brand, forgoing quality care and service for local constituents in favour of boosting their own revenue and avoiding their responsibility. There are quality outlets that exist in the market, but sometimes it requires contact with an untrustworthy provider before a genuine one can be sourced and appreciated.
