Homeowners often have to make key decisions regarding the performance, repair and potential replacement of key systems within their dwellings. These outdated systems are likely not performing efficiently, and as a result they may not meet the needs of those living there.
Existing homes may come with plumbing or hot water systems that are behind current times.
With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, and in an environment where utility costs continue to soar, it’s well worth considering how much you could benefit from a new hot water system.
Current Hot Water Systems in Australia
The diverse climate and deepening interest in energy efficiency have fostered an interest in various hot water system options in Australia. The three most common systems in use are electric resistance, heat pump and gas-powered hot water heaters. Each of these alternatives differs significantly in cost-effectiveness, energy consumption and environmental impact.
The government of Australia has taken steps to implement standards for energy efficiency and has created rebate programs in an effort to encourage the move to sustainable hot water solutions. Consumers are now far more aware of modern alternatives, which in turn has furthered the competitive market for new technologies.
System and Technology Overview
With an electric hot water system, the water is heated using electric resistance elements. Electric units are simple and widely available, and the upfront costs of installation are lower than the other options. They are, however, usually less energy-efficient.
When comparing a heat pump vs electric hot water, the heat pump process is more complex but results in a significant reduction in energy consumption. Gas-fuelled hot water systems rely on natural gas or LPG to heat the water via a burner. Heating times can be relatively fast, and they perform well in climates that are colder.
Design of Heat Pump Systems
Rather than simply heating the water directly using electric resistance elements or gas flames, heat pumps operate by transferring heat from surrounding air into the water that is in the tank. Primarily, the heat pump hot water systems operate on electricity.
Basically, they utilise a type of refrigeration cycle to move the heat. A refrigerant in the heat pump absorbs heat taken from the air, compresses it, and then in turn releases the heat into the water within the tank.
Comparison of Energy Efficiency
If you have an electric resistance system, it’s likely to be the least energy-efficient of the three major options. These water heaters do convert almost all the electricity into heat but also require a significant amount of energy to maintain the necessary water temperature. Their inefficiency is magnified in a colder climate because heat loss is greater.
With a heat pump system, the COP (Coefficient of Performance) can go from 2.0 to 4.0. This means that these units can produce between two and four units of heat for each unit of electricity they consume. A gas hot water system falls in between the two options and offers moderate efficiency. The specific efficiency, though, can depend on whether the gas unit is a storage-based or continuous flow system.
Operating Costs
When looking at electric vs gas hot water, the electric systems generally have a higher running cost due to their energy inefficiency. This is especially true in a household with high water use. Peak electricity charges and tariffs can also increase operational costs.
The cost of running a gas system is more moderate but can change based on price fluctuations in the LPG or natural gas markets. Heat pumps require a higher investment upfront, but have significantly lower operations costs over time.
Impact on the Environment
The carbon footprint for an electric hot water system is high, especially when it is powered by energy sources that are non-renewable. The higher environmental impact can be reduced, however, if electricity is combined with solar PV.
A heat pump is considered to be one of the best eco-friendly options, based on its high efficiency and its ability to utilise renewable energy sources. During combustion, a gas hot water system emits greenhouse gases. From an environmental standpoint, this makes it less favourable, especially in a region that is moving away from harmful fossil fuel emissions.
Maintenance and Installation
Homeowners find that electric hot water heaters are fairly easy to install and also maintain; they may require little more than plumbing connections and a power source. Over time, though, they can corrode and may need to be more frequently replaced.
Gas heaters need to have proper ventilation, and require safe handling of any fuel lines. Professional servicing is recommended for these units. Heat pump solutions typically require more space and also need proper ventilation. Maintenance is crucial if you want to preserve your initial investment and ongoing efficiency.
When you are looking for a new hot water system solution, you’ll have to consider a variety of factors including upfront costs, efficiency, household size and needs, and environmental concerns. Consult with a trusted local company that offers plumbing and gas fitting services if you want to find out which units might be right for your home.
At J.O Plumbing we are both licensed plumbers and gas fitters. Contact us today to see how we can help.
