Final answer:
Factors to consider when selecting a water heating fuel source for a new property include environmental impact, energy efficiency, availability, storage requirements, maintenance costs, and system lifespan, all crucial for sustainable and practical energy management.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting a water heating fuel source for a new property, several factors must be considered beyond just the price. These factors include environmental impact, energy efficiency, availability, storage requirements, maintenance costs, and system lifespan.
The environmental impact involves the life cycle of the energy source, including extraction, processing, transportation, and waste disposal. Energy efficiency is contingent on the source of electricity or the design of the heating system, such as the use of heat pumps in water heaters. Availability and storage requirements can dictate the choice based on whether energy sources can be implemented individually, supporting distributed power generation. Ultimately, maintenance costs and system lifespan are essential for long-term financial considerations, aligning with the sustainability of the chosen energy source.