It is towards the end of the cold winter months, you are daydreaming about those long bright summer days basking in the sun and not wearing your entire wardrobe. Before you can celebrate ushering in summer and pack your jackets away, you get that sinking feeling when your hot water systems give in.
You are not just dreading the prospect of cold showers or lots of complaining from your family but the looming expensive repair bill. However, there is a silver lining in this dark cloud you are under right now, as there are different types of hot water systems in Australia.
An average Australian home uses about 21% of their energy to heat water, and the advancement of technology field leaves on burning question, what is the best hot water system to install?
There are numerous considerations you need to put in mind when shopping for a new hot water system, such as your property’s particulars and how your family uses water. So, to help you in the hunt for your new hot water system, we have compiled a list of different hot water systems;
Table of Contents
Electric Hot Water System
An electric hot water heater is the most traditional type of heater system that uses a heating element located inside a tank to heat water. It works the same way an electric kettle works. The tanks come in a variety of sizes and are amongst the most affordable options on the market.
Water is heated and stored inside the tank, where it is kept hot and ready to be used. Another option is an instantaneous electric hot water heater, which only heats water when you turn on your taps. With this type of hot water system, there is no storage tank, and it enables endless hot water whenever a tap is turned on.
Gas Hot Water System
Similar to their electric counterparts, a gas hot water system keeps hot water in a tank, but the difference is that a gas burner is used to heat the water instead of an element. Gas hot water systems are popular and the most commonly hot water system installed as they are energy-efficient.
As compared to an electric hot water system, a gas system is smaller in size, meaning they have quicker heat recovery times. Another gas hot water system option is instant water heaters. Water is not stored in a tank, and the gas burner only heats water on demand, and its most significant benefit is that you never run out of hot water.
Solar Hot Water System
A solar hot water system is a popular ‘green’ option utilises a renewable energy source to heat water, while reducing your carbon footprint. It is one of the most common hot water systems installed in new homes as it harnesses the energy from the sun to heat your water rather than electricity or gas.
The system utilises an array of solar panels typically positioned on a roof where it can get maximum exposure to absorb the sun’s energy to heat the water as it is circulated through. However, this type of system is generally used in conjunction with gas or electricity to maintain supply on days where there is no sun.
Heat Pump Hot Water System
While technically in the same category as the electric hot water system, it is a more efficient form of renewable energy that extract heat from the surroundings to heat water. It uses up to two-thirds less electricity than the conventional electric hot water system.
The technology used in the heat pump hot water system can be likened to a fridge, as it uses a ‘reverse refrigeration’ process to transfer heat it has absorbed from the environment into the water. Such a system can primarily be more expensive than other traditional methods, but in the long run it will save you energy and reduce your hot water bill by two thirds.
Are you looking for an affordable hot water system for your home? At Kala Munda Plumbing, we supply an extensive range of affordable hot water systems tailored to suit your needs. Call us.