Sure, hot water systems aren’t much of a conversation starter, but they have a special place in our lives.
They’re the powerhouse behind the warm, luxurious showers after a long day, the ability to clean dirty dishes quickly, and the motivation to roll out of bed in the morning.
Unfortunately, some hot water systems fail to deliver on this mandate by frequently:
- Running out of hot water
- Break downing
- Saddling you with colossal power bills
Is your current hot water system is acting up, make haste and contact a licensed plumber in Penrith.
A skilled plumber will not only diagnose and repair a problematic unit, but they can also help you replace it with a more efficient one.
Here’s a quick walkthrough of four popular hotwater systems in Australian households.
Heat Pumps
Also known as air-source heat pumps, heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the surrounding environment to heat water.
The system absorbs heat from the air and uses it to vaporise a refrigerant and then compresses the vapour to raise its temperature and pressure.
The pump drives the cold water from the storage tank through a heat exchanger where it’s heated before flowing to the hot water storage tank.
The refrigerant is compressed into a liquid, and the cycle starts over.
Although it runs on electricity, a heat pump is more energy efficient because it only uses the electricity to run the compressor instead of heating the water.
You can opt for an integrated model which combines the compressor and the tank or a split model with a separate compressor and tank.
Pros
Highly energy efficient
Minimal running costs
Suitable for a large household
Operates in both hot and cold climates
Long lifespan
Cons
High upfront installation costs
Can be as noisy as the AC system
Cold climate models are more expensive
Gas Powered Hot Water systems
Gas hot water systems are increasingly becoming popular in Australia thanks to an expanding gas grid and technological advancements. The best models boast touchpad controlled continuous water heaters.
As the name suggests, these systems use natural gas or LPG gas as the primary fuel. That allows them to heat a lot of water quickly and efficiently. Research shows that gas water heaters are twice as fast as the electric ones.
Naturally, you must be connected to LPG or natural gas grid to install this water heating system.
For the best results, opt for a continuous flow system.
Gas hot water storage tanks are particularly inefficient since you can’t insulate the entire tank. You must leave a space at the bottom for the gas flame to heat the tank and can’t have a thick exterior insulating coat.
Pros
Continuous hot water supply
Suitable for a large household
Minimal operating costs
Fast heating capacity
Not reliant on electric power
Cons
Higher upfront cost
Tricky installation must keep the gas cylinder outside the house
Might require installation of larger gas pipes
Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar hot water uses solar panels to harness the sun’s energy to heat cold water, which is stored in a hot water tank. A solar unit can be roof-mounted or installed at the ground level.
The choice of a solar hot water system depends on the climate, roof type, hot water needs, and more.
Evacuated tubes are standard in the colder Australian regions, while flat plate units are more prevalent in the warmer areas.
Solar water heaters often come with an electric or a gas booster to help heat the cold water season or on cloudy days. You can also install a heat pump as a booster.
Although solar heaters are costly to install, they make for eco-friendly water heating systems.
Pros
Eco-friendly and energy-efficient
Eligible for renewable energy rebates from the government
Low running costs and high ROI
Long-lasting and uses the sun’s energy
Produce a steady supply of hot water
Cons
High installation costs
Requires a heating booster
Electric Hot Water Systems
The standard electric hot water tanks are pretty much a supersized electric kettle. They comprise a heating element inside an insulated water container. They are the most common hot water systems in Australia despite the high recurrent monthly bills.
Electric hot water tanks of less than 150 litres use the more expensive peak electricity, making them quite costly to run. Large tanks run on the cheaper off-peak electricity tariff.
However, the cheaper tariffs, when available, restrict your ability to heat water during the day (peak period).
Most people tend to supersize and overheat their hot water tanks to avoid the risk of running out of hot water. Unfortunately, that only serves to increase their power consumption and saddles them with power bills.
Pros
Lower installation costs
Safe and convenient
Popular and readily available
Highly customisable to your needs
Cons
High running costs
Slow heating time
Susceptible to power blackouts
Get the Best Hot Water System for Your Home
Installing a hot water system in the home is a costly project that will set you back thousands of dollars of your hard-earned money.
It’s important that you get one that meets your hot water needs and complements your lifestyle.
At StuMac Plumbing Drainage & Gasfitting, we are committed to helping homeowners enjoy a steady supply of hot water without incurring a fortune.
Contracting a skilled and licensed plumber in Penrith guarantees excellent results. Our technicians will visit your home to assess your hot water needs and advise you accordingly.
Call us today on 0412 002483 for custom hotwater systems installation, repairs, and replacement and enjoy fast and reliable plumbing services.