The main types of hot water systems in Australia are electric, gas, solar and heat pumps. Each has pros and cons to consider. Contact us to discuss the best system for your home and budget.
A range of hot water systems can suit your home’s needs, with the most common residential types including:
Gas storage hot water systems heat and store a set amount of hot water in an insulated tank. Electric systems use heating elements and gas systems employ burners for water heating. Storage tanks provide a reliable hot water supply, measuring capacity in litres per unit, to meet household needs.
Hot water systems can be customised to utilise your preferred fuel type, be it electricity or gas.
Continuous flow hot water heaters offer the advantage of heating water on demand, eliminating the need for storage. This demand-based system avoids energy wastage associated with heating and maintaining the temperature of water in a tank and can be powered by gas or electricity. These systems are compact but require sufficient water pressure and gas or electricity supply to heat the constant flow.
Boosted solar water heaters use the sun’s renewable energy for efficient water heating. They collect heat using solar collector panels and often have an electrical or gas booster to heat water at times of low solar gain in cloudy weather or winter. Gas solar systems can lower energy bills but do have a steeper upfront cost.
Heat pump solar water systems draw heat from the surrounding air to heat circulating water. They are energy efficient and eco-friendly but the outside compressor does take up space around your home. Some models combine solar technology with heat pumps to further enhance renewable energy efficiency.
Heat pump water systems share essential components, regardless of their specific type, to heat and supply hot water. These include:
The type hot water heat source effectively heats up the water. This may be gas or electric heating elements, solar thermal collectors, a heat pump, etc. The type of heat source impacts energy efficiency and running costs.
Storage systems feature an insulated vessel that keeps heated water ready for use. Heat is transferred to the water via internal coils or elements. Tank capacities vary from over 50 litres to in excess of 400 litres.
Hot and cold water pipes transport water between the system and household taps and appliances. Thermostatic tempering valves mix hot water with cold to prevent scalding.
A thermostat, sometimes with timers, monitors water temperature and controls the heating mechanism to optimise efficiency. Smart controls add convenience.
Essential safety features include pressure relief valves to release excess tank pressure and avoid damage, along with temperature probes and high limit switches to prevent overheating.
Some systems like solar have an electric or gas booster to ensure sufficient hot water year-round. It provides backup when solar input is low.
When it comes to heating water, the main types hot water energy sources available for hot water systems include:
Tank water heaters with standard electric hot water systems use electric heating elements for efficient water heating. A constant electricity supply is necessary to ensure hot water is available when needed. Running costs depend on the electricity tariff and the volume of water used from your system.
A gas hot water system heats water using a gas burner within the unit, though greenhouse gas emissions should be considered. Gas is readily available for most homes and gas hot water running costs can be lower than electric. However, gas combustion does contribute to greenhouse emissions.
A solar hot water system harnesses renewable solar energy to heat water through roof-mounted panels. This energy is free but solar gain depends on sunny weather. Solar-boosted systems offer an eco-friendly solution.
Heat pumps use electricity but simply move ambient tank water heat rather than generate it. While more efficient and capable of reducing energy use and costs, heat pump hot water systems do come with higher initial expenses.
Homeowners may choose between storage tank and tankless (continuous flow) hot water systems. Here’s a comparison of the different types hot water systems:
Storage tanks range from small to large capacity tanks storing 30-400+ litres of pre-heated water. However, the drawback is that stored hot water can gradually cool, leading to energy loss over time.
Compact flow hot water systems provide unlimited hot water on demand as needed without a storage tank. But the maximum flow rate can help determine limits based on household water pressure and pipe size.
Highly energy efficient as no water is pre-heated. Initial purchase cost is often higher.
When deciding which hot water system is ideal, consider your household’s typical hot water usage patterns.
Storage systems accommodate high, regular water demand.
Storage hot water systems store heated water in an insulated tank ready for use. Storage tanks vary in size, from smaller 120-litre units to sizable tanks exceeding 400 litres. Key types of storage systems include:
Electric storage systems use electric heating elements to pump out hot water efficiently to the tank. Small to medium electric systems suit low to moderate demand households.
Gas burner hot water heaters heat water in their storage tanks as required. Gas storage units can supply hot water to meet high demand, making them ideal for the needs of your family.
Solar water heater systems pre-heat water during the day, then an electric or gas booster provides backup heating at night or on cloudy days to ensure constant supply.
Heat pump water heater models use state-of-the-art compressor technology to capture warmth from the air, heating the water in the tank.
When choosing the size hot water system, take into account your household’s typical hot water usage to select an appropriate tank capacity and heating rate.
Tankless or instantaneous water heaters deliver endless hot water on demand without the need to store pre-heated water. Compact and wall-mounted, they heat water as its flowing to taps or appliances. Their advantage is continuous hot water - they’ll never run out.
Tankless systems use gas burners or electric elements to heat water. Gas tankless models are well-suited for homes with access to natural gas pipelines. Electric tankless works where sufficient power supply is available.
Because tankless models don’t store water, they eliminate heat loss and energy waste. This makes them up to 30% more efficient than storage units. However, max flow rate depends on water pressure and pipe size.
Despite higher initial costs, tankless water heaters may save money over time, particularly for small households with intermittent hot water needs. Easy to maintain, they last up to 20 years with few repairs.
Electric types water heaters systems typically consist of a well-insulated storage tank with electric heating elements to heat the water. Common system sizes range from small 120L units to large 400L tanks that suit bigger families.
Standard electric storage hot water systems use electric immersion heating elements within the tank to heat the water. While easy and cost-effective to set up, their operational expenses can be high due to conventional electric heating’s lower energy efficiency.
Electric storage hot water systems use super efficient compressor technology to extract free heat from ambient air to warm the water. This technology offers up to three times the efficiency of traditional electric storage models, leading to lower energy expenses.
Instantaneous electric water heaters with tankless design provide a continuous, unlimited supply of hot water on demand. Compact and wall mounted, they work well for apartments or homes with lower hot water usage. Sufficient power supply is needed.
Choosing between electric storage and tankless systems depends on a household’s hot water usage patterns. Storage suits high, regular demand households.
Gas hot water systems heat water using natural gas or LPG burners. Key types include:
Gas storage heaters use burners to warm water in an insulated tank. Available in various tank sizes from 160L up to 400L, gas storage provides a reliable supply of hot water for high demand households.
Gas instantaneous heaters provide an endless supply by heating water on demand with burners or elements. Wall-mounted units take up less space. Their energy efficiency can also help reduce bills.
Compared to electric, gas water heaters recover heat faster after use and have lower operating costs. But gas emissions should be considered from an environmental viewpoint. Gas tariffs may also be higher in some areas.
Solar hot water systems are a renewable and environmentally-friendly option that harnesses free energy from the sun. Key features include:
Roof-mounted solar collector panels use copper pipes filled with a heat transfer fluid to capture solar energy. The sun’s energy heats this fluid which then flows to the hot water tank.
Solar systems need a storage tank, typically 150 to 400 litres. Solar-heated water flows back from the panels to heat water in the well-insulated tank.
To ensure a steady hot water supply, solar systems typically come with an auxiliary electric or gas booster for times of reduced solar yield.
For optimal solar panel performance, a north-facing, unshaded roof space is ideal. Installation angle also impacts collector efficiency and hot water output.
Although solar systems have a higher initial cost, government rebates, energy bill savings and environmental benefits make them attractive for many homeowners.
Heat pump hot water systems are an energy efficient option that can reduce energy bills. They work similarly to a refrigerator in reverse - using a heat pump cycle and compressor to extract ambient heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to heat water.
Key features include:
The outdoor unit, looking similar to air conditioning, adds to space heating by transferring external warmth to the water. The sealed system circulates a refrigerant that absorbs available heat as it passes through the heat pump’s evaporator.
Heated refrigerant flows into a coiled heat exchanger inside the storage tank to raise the temperature of water within the inner tank, ready for use.
A fan helps maximise airflow through the outdoor heat pump unit so it can extract more ambient heat. This boosts efficiency.
Pump water heaters, known as heat pump systems, are over 3 times more efficient than conventional electric hot water systems. But the outdoor unit requires more than standard weather protection and ventilation. Heat pump hot water heaters work best in mild to warm climates.
When deciding on a hot water system, it’s important to consider factors like:
The number of occupants and your water usage patterns dictate the system capacity and tank size you’ll need. More people equals higher demand.
You should verify the compatibility of available energy sources with your home. Electric, gas, LPG or solar power may dictate your system type. Heat pumps need good outdoor airflow.
Colder climates suit gas or solar with electric boost. Heat pumps work more efficiently in milder weather. Frequent sunny days boost solar output.
Consider whether your available space is adequate for tanks, controllers, and the particular system can accommodate. Some homes may need electrical upgrades to install heat pumps or electric tankless systems.
Initial purchase price plus projected energy costs over the system lifetime. Systems like solar or heat pump, being some of the best hot water system choices, can save money long-term.
By considering these key factors, you can pinpoint the one most suited hot water system to fulfill your needs.
Proper installation and regular servicing are vital for optimal performance and longevity of any hot water system. Always use a licenced plumber for installation to ensure compliance with regulations regarding safety, efficiency and emissions. Things like water pressure, power supply, gas lines, drainage and weatherproofing need professional assessment.
Schedule annual hot water system maintenance checks to keep your system in peak condition. Replace anodes and tempering valves as required. Maintain your system’s peak condition with annual maintenance checks and, if applicable, by cleaning solar panels.
A tune-up and inspection will detect leaks, corrosion, sediment buildup or other issues early before they become problematic.
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance guide for your hot water system is highly recommended. And consider investing in a new hot water system once your current model exceeds 10-15 years to take advantage of improved energy savings and demand response capabilities.
For professional installation of a new hot water unit or servicing of existing systems in the Petersham area, contact our team at Petersham Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email jobs@petershamplumbingservices.com.au. We service all brands and provide free quotes.
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