All hot water systems are similar, right? Don't they all just provide hot water? Each type of system has its pros and cons and I've created this article to help you choose what hot water system you should buy for your home.
Finding the best water system for your house is no simple task. There are many things to consider, including the benefits and drawbacks of the many system types that are available to you, their ongoing operating expenses, and finding a hot water system that fits your budget.
Always keep your family's demands in mind, such as how many people live there, as this will affect the type and size of the hot water system.
Different Types of Hot Water Systems
The continuous operating costs of different hot water systems are one of the prime reasons for learning more about them. The average household's hot water system can account for up to 30% of your power bill.
To assist you in finding the best and most affordable water heating option for you, we've covered the pros and cons of electric, gas, and solar hot water systems.
Electric Hot Water System
Electric hot water systems heat the water with an electric element located at the bottom of the tank. Electric hot water systems have low upfront costs and are dependable. You can connect your electricity during off-peak hours to reduce the cost of your energy bills.
The hot water system receives electricity mainly during off-peak usage hours. Typically, between 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. (depending on the electricity network). During these hours, the hot water system is heated, and the water is saved for later use.
Most electric hot water systems come with a dedicated metre thru which your energy provider can manage the load tariff. If you don't have a controlled load tariff, switching to one can save you a lot of money on your power costs. Continuous systems can provide hot water without the need for hot water storage. They work by wrapping the heating element around the hot water supply pipe.
Gas Hot Water System
Gas hot water systems heat and maintain water in a storage tank at 60°C constantly. Gas hot water systems are often only economically viable when directly connected to the mains gas supply. Using LPG gas bottles will cost more in the long term.
Continuous flow gas hot water systems do not store hot water and instead use a burner that only ignites when the water is required.
Solar Hot Water System
If the sun does not sufficiently heat the stored water, electric or gas systems can be utilised to raise the temperature.
Because solar hot water systems use the sun's natural and free energy, you can cut your hot water system's energy use by up to 90%. Solar hot water systems can have the highest upfront expenses, however recent incentives can dramatically reduce that cost.