When a hot water service system fails, it usually does so abruptly, with a bang, a whimper, or even a flood. If you like cold showers, you won’t have the luxury of carefully researching the available choices at that point. Instead, you get a replacement wheeled in as soon as possible – and try to forget about it until the next time. But what if you were overlooking a superior product?
This guide discusses the various types of hot water systems and their benefits and drawbacks and how to choose a brand and the suitable size device for your home.
Is it better to use electricity, gas, solar energy, or a heat pump?
When choosing a hot water service, the first choice you’ll have to make is which heating system to use: electricity, coal, solar, or heat pump?
Electric hot water service system:
- Electrically heated storage tank systems or hot water service systems are typically expensive to purchase and build. Still, they are often the most costly to operate, mainly if they run continuously.
- If it’s a straight replacement for a similar device, installation can take no longer than two or three hours.
- For a four-person household, a continuous system requires a 125–160L tank, while an off-peak system requires a 250–315L tank.
Natural gas hot water service system:
- If you have access to natural gas, it is a viable choice. Gas hot water systems are less expensive than electricity (though gas prices are rising). Since gas costs do not fluctuate during the day, they can heat water as required.
- If it’s a straight replacement for a similar device, installation can take no longer than two or three hours.
- A tank of about 135–170L is needed for a four-person household.
- Because of the venting criteria, it is usually installed outdoors, but it can also be installed indoors with a flue.
The solar hot water service system:
- Solar collector panels and a storage tank make up this device. A four-person household needs approximately four square meters of solar collector area (two panels) and a 300–360L tank. You’ll need a big tank to account for days when the sun isn’t shining (or more hot showers than usual).
- When there isn’t much sunlight, the storage tank typically has an electric or gas booster feature to keep the water hot.
- Installing it is relatively costly and time-consuming. The installer would need to visit your home to schedule the installation, but it should only take a day or less to complete. Because of its low operating costs, a well-chosen system would pay for itself in the long run.
- Government rebates and other discounts maybe available to help cover the expense of the purchase.
- They are priced between $2000 and $7000. (not including installation).
Heat pump hot water service systems:
- A more powerful electric storage tank system extracts heat from the air. It uses it to heat the water tank, similar to a fridge or air conditioner.
- They must be placed in a well-ventilated environment, which is typically outside.
- Suppose it’s a straight substitute for a similar heat pump or electric storage hot water service. In that case, installation should take no longer than two or three hours.
- They work well in warm and temperate climates, but some models work well in cold temperatures. Most systems have a booster element for days when the weather is cold or when there is a lot of water use.
- For a four-person household, a 270–315L tank is usually appropriate.
Conclusion:
Based on your requirements, you can consider choose a hot water service within your budget and check for the star rating of different brands; they will help you understand the energy consumption of the HWS.
