A Buyer’s Guide to Different Types of Hot Water Systems
Hot water system service is essential in every residence. Especially on shivering winter days, it is hard to survive without a hot water system. However, longevity becomes an issue with hot water systems. And the confusion arrives when you are required to choose a water heating system that can serve you the best. So, what are the different types of hot water systems available today?
Water heating consumes around 20% of the energy in each Australian house. Also, on average, water heating makes up 1/4th of your energy bill. Thus, you have to be cautious about selecting an energy-efficient water heating system. This should be value for money and should last for a long time.
Let us discuss the various hot water system services that are available in the market.
Water heaters can be broadly divided into two main sections, which can be further classified into four types. The two main types of water heaters are-
- Storage Water Heaters – As the name suggests, the storage water heater heats the water and stores it in a tank. This hot water system service can be operated in two ways – mains pressure or constant pressure. However, the mains pressure heating system can cause substantial heat loss, and both systems are extremely energy-consuming.
- Continuous Flow Water Heater – This causes no heat loss as water is heated only when required. You can even control the water temperature, and it is the most preferred water heating option available to date. It can be operated by LPG, electricity, or natural gas.
Now comes the sub-sections of storage water heaters and continuous flow water heaters. These sub-sections are based on the type of energy they consume to regulate the hot water system service.
Electric Water Heaters
The first electric water heater comes under the storage water heating system. It uses an element to heat the water into the storage tank. It is the most common and convenient option that most Australian families are using. However, the energy efficiency of electric heaters is not satisfactory.
The second one is a continuous flow heater that heats the water once you open the tap. The temperature of the water will remain constant. There is no storage of water done here. These systems eat up more power to heat the water instantly.
Gas Water Heating
Instead of using an element like electric heaters, gas heaters use a gas burner to heat the water, and it works faster to heat the water compared to the electric heaters.
The continuous flow gas water heating system is another popular option in modern times as it is better than electric heaters in terms of energy efficiency. The system won’t run out of hot water as you will get water only when you turn on the tap.
Heat Pump Water Heating
This type of heater is run by electricity but is much energy-efficient than electric heaters. It can cut down your electricity bill. The system absorbs heat energy from the air and transfers it to water, heating it. However, the installation cost is a bit higher. Heat pumps use water pumps from suppliers like Generator Pro to speed up the water heating process. So, if you’re looking for the right hot water equipment that uses water pumps in your home, conduct thorough research to see if it meets your requirements.
Solar Water Heating
Here comes the most energy-efficient option to heat your water. Though installing a solar panel is expensive, you can save up on your electricity bill. It uses solar energy to heat the water. However, you may like to keep an alternative energy source of electricity or gas, in case it is not too sunny.
The factors that can help you decide the best option are-
- Installation cost: Depending on the type of hot water system you choose, the installation expenses can be higher or lower. As mentioned before, a heat pump water heating system costs a considerable amount of money to install. Hence, if you’re on a tight budget, pick a hot water system with reasonable installation costs to avoid financial issues.
- Energy bill: It’s also vital to check whether your prospective hot water system creates a high or low energy bill. If you’re looking to save money on your energy costs, choose a system that only requires you to pay a small amount of money on energy consumption.
- Energy-efficiency: It’s also essential to consider the energy efficiency of your prospective hot water system. Check whether the option you choose utilizes less energy to do the same task without incurring high energy costs. Thus, if the hot water system is energy-efficient, you’re on the right track.
- Longevity: Your hot water system can also be considered a significant investment. As such, it’s best to consider a hot water system that can last for a long time. Generally, a durable hot water system has a long lifespan; you should factor in the durability of your option to get the most out of the money you’ve invested.
- Quality of hot water system service: Your option should also be of high quality. This means you should choose the one that can provide you with an adequate hot water supply for your household needs without any hassle.
It would be best if you considered these factors to decide which heating system can serve the best to your family. For further advice, consult an expert and install the best hot water system service that suits your requirements.