Hot Water Systems

Water heating costs account for about one third of the average Australian household’s heating costs. For this reason, you should choose your heating system carefully.

Here is information to help you choose the right hot water system for your needs.

Types of Hot Water Systems

A hot water system can be classified based on either its design or heating method. The popular heating methods include gas, electric, solar or heat pump. On the other hand, popular designs include storage and instantaneous/continuous.

Differences between Each System

Electric systems

These systems heat water using an electric-powered element. The heating element normally sits at the bottom of the storage tank in a storage system. In a continuous system, the heating element is typically coiled around the pipes to enable it to heat water quickly. While these systems are generally relatively affordable (cost anything from $200 to $2,000, exclusive of installation costs), they are often expensive to operate, particularly the instantaneous systems.

Fortunately, you can reduce your heating costs by programming your electric system to do most of the heating during off-peak periods. Of course, you would need to have off-peak electricity and a large storage tank in order to enjoy this benefit.

Gas systems

Available in both storage and continuous flow formats, these systems use a gas burner to heat water. Due to venting requirements, they are usually installed. Their prices range from $900 to $2,000 exclusive of installation costs. To enjoy the full benefits of these energy star rated systems, you would need to be connected to mains gas. This is because, if you use LPG bottles, your heating costs will be much higher and you could run out of hot water at some point.

Solar systems

Consisting of solar collector panels and storage tanks, these systems harness sunlight to heat water. Since they use renewable energy, they are the most energy efficient hot water systems. However, the purchase cost is relatively high, starting at around $2,000 to $7,000 exclusive of installation costs. Fortunately, the Australian governments offers a raft of incentives and rebates for solar systems.

Heat pumps

Consisting of a compressor and a storage tank, these systems extract heat from the air and use it to heat the storage tank, which means they are some of the most energy efficient hot water systems. However, they are only viable in warm environments. Additionally, they are expensive, with costs ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.

The Most Efficient Type

According to figures from the Smarter Choice Initiative, a project of the New South Wales Government, the most efficient type of hot water system is a solar system with gas boosters. The annual running costs for such a system amounts to about $180 for a medium sized household. In comparison, such a household would spend $901 annually to run an LPG system and 1,111 annually to run an instantaneous electric system.

For an affordable, quality plumbing services, contact us today. We provide domestic and commercial plumbing and gas fitting services for your Perth homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hot water system is most efficient in Perth?

Tankless water heaters require no tank, hence the name. They rather contain coils that superheat your water as it passes through the mechanism to wherever it needs to go. This results in never-running out hot water. This makes the tankless water heater one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your water.

What kind of hot water system is most common in Perth?

The continuous flow water system is the most common kind of gas water heater in Perth. It’s also referred to as an instantaneous water heater. Because there is no insulation at the point where the gas flame heats the tank, they have very high heat loss.

What size hot water system does a family of four need?

Each person in a household generally uses 50 litres of hot water daily, on average. When it comes to a storage system, it should have 1.5 days’ worth of capacity. In a house with three bedrooms in which four people can comfortably live, a 300-litre tank should be installed. This holds even if a retired couple currently occupies it.

What are the best pipes for hot water?

The best choice for hot water plumbing is CPVC pipes. They are created by mixing in materials that have undergone further chlorination, giving CPVC an overall better grade.

What is the typical lifespan of a 50-litre hot water system?

On average, electric hot water systems last between 10 and 15 years.

What are the main types of hot water systems?

The main kinds of hot water systems that people generally have installed include electric, gas, solar, and heat pump systems. Electric hot water systems heat the water using an element within the storage tank. (The continuous flow or instantaneous hot water system, which only warms the water when you switch on your hot faucets, is another electric choice.) Gas systems are similar to that electric, with the difference of gas being used to power the element as opposed to electricity. Solar systems, on the other hand, are growing in demand because it’s considered a ‘green option’; however, the heat pump is the most energy-efficient option on the market.

What is the most cost-effective hot water heating system in Perth?

Heat pump water heaters. Compared to a traditional electric hot water system, they are 30% more energy-efficient. These systems employ a refrigeration cycle to heat the water by removing heat from the surrounding air.