Hot Water System Types
Get The Right Hot Water System For Your Home
There are numerous hot water system types available in the market, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for your property. Several factors come into play when deciding which system is suitable for your needs, including the availability of local service providers, accessibility, and location.
It may seem like generating hot water is a straightforward process, but you may be surprised at the range of hot water system types available. Your primary consideration should be the source of power for your system. Even after that, there are still many aspects to consider, such as the size, brand, positioning, and more.
Hot Water System Energy Compatibility
Assuming you're not living off the grid, it's safe to say that you have electricity. That's great news because it means you can use an electric heater no matter where you are. So, energy compatibility is not a concern when it comes to using an electrical heater.
Gas hot water systems cannot be installed if your home is not properly equipped to host a gas connection.
Need help to decide what's the best hot water system for you? Call North Lakes Plumbing today. Our friendly team can guide you through it.
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Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems are Australia’s most popular choice. Older options tend to use a lot of energy, but modern electric storage water heaters are significantly more energy efficient.
Electric hot water systems work like a big kettle. They heat up water in a storage tank, which is then used by the taps and showers in your home. This system uses electricity and is very common because it can be installed both inside and outside your home and can hold a lot of water. This is great for larger homes with many people living in them.
If you want a low-maintenance and energy-efficient hot water system, an electric hot water system could be perfect for you.
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Electric hot water systems heat water using an electric heating element. They're simple to install and operate, requiring no fuel lines or exhaust flues. All you need is a power outlet!
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Low upfront cost. Electric hot water systems tend to be the most affordable to buy upfront compared to gas. Prices start from around $500 to $1500 to purchase and install.
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Operating costs are reasonable. Although electricity prices in Australia aren’t the cheapest, modern electric hot water heaters are very energy efficient.
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They last a long time. A quality electric hot water system can last 10-15 years. Look for a model with at least a 5-10 year warranty for peace of mind.
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Eco-friendly options available. Electric heat pump hot water systems are a great choice for the environmentally conscious. They're up to 3 times more efficient than a standard electric model.
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Perfect for any location. Unlike gas or solar hot water systems, electric models can be installed almost anywhere. They’re ideal if you live in a rental property, apartment or unit.
So if you want a simple, economical and ecologically friendly hot water solution, an electric storage water heater could be the perfect choice for your home. Low running costs, minimal maintenance and an affordable upfront price - what more could you want?
Gas Hot Water Systems
Gas hot water systems use natural gas or LPG to heat water. Gas systems tend to be more energy efficient and cost-effective to run than electric systems. If you have access to gas in your area, a gas hot water system is a great option to consider for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly hot water solution.
Gas hot water heaters heat water using a controlled gas flame or burner. The gas ignites and heats a water tank. Then a thermostat controls the water temperature. Gas systems typically heat water faster than electric systems and have a lower upfront cost. They also tend to have a lower environmental impact since natural gas and LPG have a lower carbon footprint than electricity.
However, gas hot water systems do have some downsides to keep in mind. They require proper ventilation for exhaust fumes, and they can be more difficult to install since they need a gas line connection. Gas water heaters also require more regular maintenance to ensure they are operating safely.
If gas is not available in your area, you'll need to consider an electric hot water system or solar hot water system instead.
Instant Hot Water Systems
Instant hot water systems, also known as continuous flow hot water systems, provide hot water on demand without the need for a storage tank. They instantly heat the water as it flows through the system. They also come in electric instantaneous water heaters and gas heater varieties.
Energy-Efficient
Instantaneous water heaters only heat the water when you need it, so they tend to be more energy efficient than electric or gas storage systems, which have to keep a tank of water hot at all times. This can reduce your energy bills, especially if you have a smaller household.
Space Saving
When it comes to types of hot water systems that take the least space, continuous flow systems are the best. Since instant systems don’t require a storage tank, they take up much less space than other types of hot water systems. They can easily be installed in small areas like apartments, units, and small homes where space is limited.
Lower Upfront Cost
Although instant systems may cost a bit more to run, they tend to have lower upfront costs than storage systems because they don’t require an expensive water tank. This can make them an affordable option, especially if you’re on a tight budget or renting.
Never Run Out of Hot Water
One of the main benefits of instant hot water systems is that you’ll never run out of hot water. As long as you have adequate water pressure, these continuous flow hot water systems can provide an endless supply of hot water on demand for your whole house. Say goodbye to cold showers!
In summary, if energy efficiency, space-saving, lower upfront costs, and an unlimited supply of hot water are priorities for you, an instant or continuous flow hot water system could be the ideal solution for your home. They provide hot water as needed without requiring the use of a bulky storage tank.
Under-Sink Hot Water System
Compact and Convenient
An under-sink hot water system is a great space-saving option if you have limited room for a traditional hot water tank. These systems sit tucked away in your kitchen cabinet and provide instant hot water on demand without needing to wait for a tank to heat up.
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Takes up very little space since the unit is installed under your sink. No bulky tank required.
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Provides instant hot water so you don’t have to wait for it to heat up. Perfect for making a quick cup of tea or washing dishes.
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Typically more energy efficient than a standard tank since it only heats water as needed. Can reduce your utility bills.
Under-sink systems do have some downsides to consider:
They typically have a lower flow rate so you can’t have hot water running in multiple places at once. Not ideal for larger households.
The initial upfront cost is often higher than a traditional tank, though you may save over time through energy efficiency.
For a small household looking to save space and money while enjoying the convenience of instant hot water, an under-sink hot water system can be an excellent choice. Chat with your local plumber to determine if this compact solution will meet your needs and budget. They can advise on the best brands, appropriate size, installation considerations, and overall suitability for your situation.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Heat pump hot water systems work by extracting heat from the air and concentrating it to heat up water.
For hot water, heat pumps draw heat from the surrounding air, even in cold weather, and transfer it to heat water in an insulated tank. Heat pump water heaters require some electricity to run, but can be two to three times more energy efficient than a standard electric water heater. They are also environmentally friendly since they don’t burn any fossil fuels.
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Heat pumps can significantly lower your hot water costs. They are more efficient, so you’ll use less energy to heat the same amount of water.
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Heat pump systems have a longer lifespan, around 15-20 years, so you won’t need to replace them as often as a standard electric water heater
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Heat pumps are suitable for most homes but work best in areas with mild climates. Colder regions may require backup heating elements for extremely low temperatures.
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Upfront costs are often higher, though rebates and incentives can help offset some of the initial price. You’ll make up the difference over time through energy bill savings.
If eco-friendly and budget-friendly hot water is a priority in your home, a heat pump system is worth considering. While the technology is more complex, the energy efficiency and cost savings can make heat pumps an attractive choice for water heating in the long run.
Get Hot Water Today. Call North Lakes Plumbing
When your hot water system goes kaput, the last thing you want is a cold shower. Call the experts at North Lakes Plumbing and they’ll have your hot water back on today.
24/7 Emergency Service
North Lakes Plumbing offers emergency hot water system installation and repair 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our licenced plumbers are on call and ready to roll for any hot water emergency. Whether your system has sprung a leak, the pilot light won’t stay lit, or you have no hot water at all, we’ll diagnose the issue and have the parts on hand to fix or replace your system right away.
