The Best Types Of Hot Water Systems Available Today
Unfortunately, we all know that feeling. After a long day, all you want is a hot shower or bath. You turn on the hot tap, and what do you get? Cold water. Instantly, your mind shifts from thinking about the pleasure of a hot shower onto a single question: "What's the best hot water system on the market today?"
That's right: the silver lining of a hot water system that just went kaput is that there are so many types of hot water systems Australia just loves on the market these days. It's one of those areas of technology that has really raced along in the past several years, which makes finding the best hot water system for your home and family an exciting prospect.
Here at In Deep Plumbing, we want to help you as you compare hot water systems and choose the right one for your situation. If you need your hot water system replaced, read on!
Types of hot water systems - Which one is right for you?
Did you know that when you look at that power bill, a full quarter of it is for your hot water system alone? Putting in the best and most energy efficient hot water system you can find is therefore vital. But the right one for you depends on your home, the size of your family, how you use water, and a range of other factors.
To get the conversation started, let's look at the types of hot water systems Australia is installing all around the country:
1. Electric Hot Water Systems
We've all heard about electric hot water systems - because most of us have had one. They heat the water with an electrical element and store it inside a tank, ready for you to use when you need it. They're affordable and the tanks come in various sizes, but more modern options mean it is not the most energy-efficient hot water system on the market.
A modern variant is the electric instantaneous hot water system, which does away with the tank and only heats the water when you need it. And the best thing? You'll never run out of water.
TOP TIP: If you heat your electric system during the overnight off-peak tariff, make sure your tank is big enough to store enough water for the whole of the next day.
2. Gas Hot Water Systems
Similar to their electric counterparts, the gas hot water system uses a burner rather than an element. Gas hot water systems are usually smaller than electric ones because gas heats water faster and there are no off-peak tariffs to think about.
Like electric systems, you can also buy an instantaneous gas hot water system - and if you're not on mains gas, you can always connect it to a 45kg bottle. Only a licenced gas fitter can connect and disconnect gas lines.
TOP TIP: Natural gas is cheaper than electricity, and LPG bottled gas is more expensive than natural gas.
3. Solar Hot Water Systems
As the 'green' movement gains steam all around Australia, solar hot water systems are becoming ever more popular. Why? It's the most energy-efficient hot water system on the market because it uses the free energy from the sun rather than expensive gas or electricity.
The solar setup will involve having solar panels on your roof, which is an initial cost that will be offset over time in the form of lower (or no) power bills. But you may still need to have a traditional power connection for those rainy days!
TOP TIP: Solar systems seem expensive upfront, but low running costs and a range of rebates and incentives mean you will eventually recoup the entire cost.
4. Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Yes, a heat pump hot water system is still connected to the power. But it's much more energy-efficient than a traditional electric system because it runs like a fridge ... in reverse! The heat pump takes the heat out of the air and transfers it to the water that ultimately comes out of your shower head. The result? Hot water for up to a third of the price.
The downside is that they are more expensive than traditional electric, and they tend to make a bit of noise when they're running.
TOP TIP: Heat pumps must be installed outdoors, and they're not suitable for particularly cold climates.
Comparing hot water systems: Electric, gas, or solar?
Having trouble deciding? As we said earlier, the system that is right for you depends on multiple factors, including your initial budget and how your family or premises uses water. The easy way to decide is to call the licenced local Gold Coast plumbers at In Deep Plumbing. It may actually be possible for them to repair your hot water system, but if it needs replacing, they have 20 years of up-to-the-minute industry experience and knowledge. So call 0403 293 137 and don't go without steaming hot water for a second longer!
