Oh no, your hot water system is going out! To make matters worse, it’s the dead of winter and you are not interested in taking cold showers.
To make the most efficient use of your time and get a new system as quickly as possible check out these three tips for choosing the right hot water system.
1. Household Size and Water Usage
If you notice in advance that your system is having problems or are considering replacing an aging system, take a little time to do your research.
Evaluate your water usage by looking at past water bills. Are you using an average amount of water? Using an inordinate amount of water could indicate problems with your hot water system that you may want to have a professional look at.
2. Choose a System Type
When buying a new system you need to decide which type of hot water system you want to install. Pro tip: the best system isn’t always the same system that you already have installed.
Hot water accounts for approximately 23% of the average Australian household’s energy bill. This means that by simply switching up the energy source for your water heater, you could save considerable money on your energy bills. You might be able to make a more eco-friendly choice also.
Types of Hot Water Systems
The most common types of hot water systems are as follows:
- Electric: inexpensive to buy, expensive to run. Off-peak systems that work only at night when electricity is cheaper can save you a little, but require a larger tank to have hot water all day.
- Gas: if you have the connection, natural gas is a good choice for your wallet, though you’ll want to keep an eye on those rising gas prices.
- Solar: offers the cheapest running costs and is an excellent solution for the environment. Installation is expensive and more involved (especially if you don’t already have panels)
- Heat Pumps: a type of electric system that is an excellent choice for both the planet and your wallet. By pulling heat from the air and using it to heat the water, they offer low running costs and are environmentally friendly. This type works best in a moderate climate, though specially designed systems can work in colder areas.
3. Consider the Heating Method
Once you’ve chosen the energy type, it’s time to decide whether you want a storage tank or a continuous flow system (also known as instantaneous).
A storage system heats the water and keeps it in a tank, ready to be used when you turn on the tap. A continuous flow system has no tank and heats the water on demand. It can be cheaper to run since there is no heat loss in the tank, however electric systems will use the higher electricity tariff during the day.
Hot Water When You Need It
The main thing is to be ready when your hot water system needs to be replaced. If your system is old and showing signs of its age, don’t wait until something breaks to get ready. Figure out your options ahead of time to enjoy continuous hot water in your home.