Which Hot Water System Is Right For Me?
If you are considering hiring a Perth Plumber to upgrade or replace your hot water system, you might be looking to find out what the different types of HWS are available to you, including the efficiency, ongoing energy consumption, and of course, the all-important question of cost. Below is everything you need to know about the three core types of hot water systems for your home to help you understand the best option for your individual circumstances.
Instant Gas Hot Water Systems (Continuous Flow)
Instant gas hot water systems are great, energy-efficient water heaters for any home across Perth. The continuous flow hot water unit means unlimited hot water and the small, tankless design allows for installation comfortably out of sight – like on a side wall or in a cupboard. As they don’t store any hot water, there is no heat loss from a tank and therefore can save energy and money in the long-run.
This type of hot water system provides an unlimited amount of instant hot water from a very compact appliance – also great for those who need a large amount of hot water to use in the home. This type of appliance will only be considered as ‘in-use’ when there is a demand placed for hot water in a home. This means that gas will only be used when hot water is switched on (hence the term “instant gas”), meaning it is a very economical option and great to cut gas bills.
If you need a reliable, ‘always-available’ source of hot water and are cost-conscious, this is an ideal Perth hot water system that is more cost-effective than any other electric hot water heating system. If you don’t want to be in a situation where your stored hot water runs out, this is a great solution.
• Ideal for large households
• Cost-effective
• Energy-efficient hot water system
Gas Storage Hot Water Systems
Gas storage hot water systems primarily use a dedicated gas burner that is placed below the storage tank, which then heats the water. The pilot flame will burn continuously which ignites the main burner when the stored water drops below the set temperature. The heat will also flow through from the tanks flue which heats the water further. Once the hot water is taken from the top, the colder water will then enter through the bottom. The majority of units will have a fully adjustable thermostat which will set the temperature of the water; once the temperature goes below the predetermined level, the pilot flame will ignite the burner to ensure the water is kept to the right temperature.
The tank sizes for gas storage hot water systems can vary greatly and typically range between 90-300 liters with the 135L and 170L being the more common storage hot water unit across Perth. Some of these systems are more energy-efficient than others because a specialist flue system is housed within some models and this helps to recirculate the hot flue gasses externally to the tank to expel heat into the water more efficiently. The Energy Rating website also gives a good outline of the differences between gas hot water systems.
• Different sizes of tank to suit different sizes of household
• Gas is more cost-effective than electric
• Ideal in larger houses holds or where there is a high hot water demand
• Low maintenance and reliable
Electric Storage Hot Water Systems
This type of HWS provides the least efficient option of all three types of home hot water systems. However, they are typically used where a gas source is not available or quite commonly in apartment blocks or in a building where flue requirements cannot be satisfied.
This type of Hot Water System can be installed internally or externally. In terms of their overall impact on the environment, an electric hot water system produces more greenhouse emissions than all of the other hot water systems for a home.
• Suitable for use where no gas supply is available
• Typically used in apartment blocks
Solar Hot Water Systems (Including Heat Pumps)
The Solar hot water system generally comes in two types being the typical roof solar hot water system to a new ground located hot water system which is called a heat pump.
The roof mounted solar hot water system generally consists of two solar panels and a storage tank. The solar panels are used as collectors to heat the water which is circulated to the tank and stored. This type of hot water system generally has a electric booster for when the sun isn’t heating the water enough.
The solar heat pump is typically found at ground level and connected to a power circuit which is very similar to a refrigerator in reverse. The heat pump extracts heat from the air which passes through a evaporator and condenser heating the water. The remaining cold air will then be extracted by a fan.
Other makes and models available on request!
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