Have you ever taken a shower without hot water? Probably one of the most horrible feelings is to get into the shower only to find out that you do not have hot water. It has become essential to us that we often take it for granted until we run out of it.
How do you make sure that your home will always have a supply of hot water and that your hot water system is always working correctly? First, it’s essential to know that there are different types of hot water systems. Choosing the right one depends on your household, budget, and energy source.
Things to consider in choosing a hot water system
Size of household
How many people are living in your home? How much hot water do you all consume daily? Think about how many showers or baths each member of your household take every day and during what times of the day. Also, consider other ways you are using hot water in your home, such as the dishwasher. Does your washing machine have cold water or economy cycles?
Cost
Choosing what type of hot water system to use also depends on your budget and energy costs. Both the cost of the hot water system and the running or operating costs need to be considered. The energy consumed by your hot water system can have a significant impact on your energy bills for years to come.
Space available
Hot water systems take up space in your house, so think about how much room you can allocate to install a hot water system. Storage hot water systems can take up more room than continuous flow hot water systems.
Make sure to also keep in mind the applicable rules and regulations that plumbers and gas fitters need to adhere to when installing hot water systems. These include not installing too close to windows and doors and installing it in an area with correct ventilation.
Existing Hot Water System
What is your existing hot water system? Do you plan to replace it with a different type? For example, you have an electric hot water system but would prefer a gas storage or continuous flow hot water system. If so, you would need to think about having the correct facilities compatible with your new system, such as access to gas. This leads to the next consideration:
Available energy source
What kind of energy source do you have access to? Not just in your house, but in your neighbourhood as well. Natural gas is not available in all areas of Perth. For example, LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is typical in the Perth Hills and surrounding semi-rural and rural areas. So, your decision on which type of hot water system to use may depend on this factor.
Local climate
Sunny locations with good solar radiation allow solar-powered hot water systems to operate more effectively. In warm climates, in many parts of WA, homes often only need less energy to raise the temperature of water storage tanks since there is only a small difference between the cold water temperature and the required hot water temperature. This means that less heat is lost in higher air temperatures.
Types of water heaters
Now that you know what factors to consider when choosing the right type of hot water system to use, let’s now identify your choices.
There are two basic types of water heaters – storage hot water systems and continuous flow hot water systems. Both can use several energy sources, such as solar, gas (LPG and natural gas), and electricity.
Storage hot water system
As its name suggests, storage hot water systems use an insulated storage tank where the water is heated and stored for use when required. The storage tank is usually located at ground level inside or outside of the house.
Storage hot water systems come in different models, so you can choose one that is suitable for either outdoor or indoor installation. They also come in different sizes. This type of hot water system can also operate on mains pressure, and you can have several taps running all at once.
Continuous flow hot water system
This is the more energy-efficient choice of the two types of hot water systems. It heats water continuously on demand and can operate on natural gas, LPG, or electricity. Continuous flow hot water systems come in different size models for indoor and outdoor installation, so different-sized households will have no problem finding the right model. This hot water system also has a compact design that’s perfect for homes with limited space.
Qualified plumbers and gas fitters for your hot water needs
Link Plumbing and Gas Service has been installing all types of hot water systems for over 30 years. Our team of licensed plumbers and gas fitters can assist you in selecting the best hot water system to suit your household. Contact us now on 08 6252 0326 or email us at admin@linkplumbing.net.au for a consultation.
