Having a quality hot water system is an essential element of any home. These systems provide utility and comfort, allowing you to take care of everyday tasks like cooking, bathing and cleaning. Many homes have older water tanks and systems that are inefficient and may be nearing the end of their useful life. With an upgrade to the right modern hot water setup, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bill, see improved efficiency and reduce your environmental impact.
There are a myriad of choices when it comes to looking for a new system for your home. It’s useful to have a hot water system selection guide that helps you sort through the different options and choices you’ll have to make when you are shopping for the right system. Locally available energy, household size, climate, and budget all play a key part in helping determine the water solution that would be just right for you and your family.
The Types of Hot Water Systems
In Australia, four main types of hot water systems are available: gas, electric, heat pump systems and solar. You will find that the widely used electric systems are usually less costly to install, but will often come with higher operational costs. If your house has an existing gas connection, a gas system may be an ideal choice if you are looking for a more economical solution.
Solar hot water systems are better for the environment and over time offer significant savings, but also come with a higher cost upfront. A heat pump water system, which is a relatively new option, is very energy-efficient and is well-suited for climates that are warmer.
Understanding Key Differences Between the Systems
A solar hot water system can offer a significant reduction in both your utility bills and your greenhouse gas emissions. It also, though, may necessitate using a backup electric or gas booster on days that are cloudy. A gas system, especially one of the continuous flow models, can provide on-demand hot water but you will find it is less efficient if it is not insulated properly.
An electric hot water system, if it offers off-peak storage options, can prove to be cost-effective based on the structure of tariffs in place. Overall, though, they are least friendly to the environment. If you choose a heat pump system, it will provide savings in energy and offer a longer lifetime, but there are potential performance issues to consider in colder climates. They also require more space and installation can be more complex.
What Is the Most Efficient Type of Hot Water System
The operating costs for a solar-based system are low, and among the hot water solutions, solar is the most efficient water heating system. Even though the initial investment in a solar hot water system can be more substantial, solar solutions have very low operating costs. If solar is not a good option where you live, it could be useful to look at a system featuring instant natural gas or a system with a hot water heat pump.
For those looking to lower overall operating costs and save energy too, instant hot water systems are a good option. Gas and electric water heaters are growing in popularity.
Size of Household and Patterns of Water Usage
Household size has a direct influence on which hot water system you might choose. With larger households, you’ll typically require a solution that has greater capacity for storage and higher rates of flow to meet the elevated demand. For instance, a home with a couple might only require a 160L system, while a larger family of four could need a 250 to 315L gas or electric storage system.
An instantaneous or continuous flow system could work for a household that has multiple bathrooms or fluctuating water usage. With these systems, water is heated on demand, which reduces wasted energy and can ensure a ready supply. They do, however, need adequate input of electricity or gas and are not always able to deliver water at a consistent temperature if multiple water outlets are used at the same time.
Initial Costs and Long-Term Expenses
For many homeowners, cost may be a deciding factor. Electric systems offer low costs upfront, but their long-term operating expenses can be higher. With gas hot water systems, you get moderate initial costs and they offer better ongoing efficiency, especially when they are connected to natural gas.
Heat pumps and solar systems require a higher initial outlay and investment by homeowners, but over time they deliver a significant level of savings.
When you are looking for the right hot water solution for your Australian home, you’ll have to consider a variety of factors ranging from household size and budget to climate and your sustainability goals. If you schedule an appointment with your local plumbing company in Melbourne today, they’ll be able to review your existing system and recommend options that would be perfect for your household.
At J.O. Plumbing we have over 15 years of experience in hot water installation & maintenance. Our expert plumbers & gas fitters can advise you on the best options for your home. Contact us today.
