Which Hot Water System Is Best for Your Home?
After heating and cooling, your hot water system is probably the second-highest source of energy consumption in your home. This is one reason why it’s so important to make sure you choose the right hot water system for your home and family, in order to reduce your energy bills and ensure that you have access to reliable hot water when you need it. Let’s explore what factors you’ll need to consider before choosing your hot water system, with a brief introduction to the most common types of hot water systems in Australia.
What factors do you need to consider when choosing a hot water system?
When you’re choosing a hot water system for your home, you will need to take into consideration a range of factors relating to your household; primarily, these factors relate to how much water your household needs, how much space you have, and what your budget is. Things to consider before choosing a hot water system include:
- The size of your property, which will usually influence how much hot water you use
- How many people live in your house
- Whether your home is connected to natural gas pipes
- How much your installation budget is, as well as your annual budget for hot water bills
- How much space you have for a hot water tank
What types of hot water system are available?
In Australia, the three main types of hot water systems that most homes use are electric, gas, and solar hot water. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and which one is right for you will depend on the factors mentioned above.
Electric hot water systems
Electric hot water systems are available in all homes across Australia, but they cost more to run than other kinds of hot water systems. Electric hot water systems are often chosen because they’re cheap to install, even though long-term running costs may be higher. For this reason, electric hot water systems may make sense in households with lower water use, such as single-person households, and households where the lower price off-peak electricity can be taken advantage of.
Gas hot water systems
Gas hot water systems cost more to install than electric systems, but they are also cheaper to run. However, a gas hot water system is only available if your home is connected to piped natural gas, which is not the case for all homes in Australia. Gas hot water systems also provide reliable hot water when you need it, and can suit both smaller and larger households.
Solar hot water systems
Solar hot water systems are the most energy-efficient option available and are associated with low running costs. However, they are also the most expensive type of hot water system to install. Because solar hot water is not completely reliable, solar hot water systems are usually installed alongside a water tank and with a gas or electric booster, so that hot water is always available, even when the weather is overcast.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for local hot water experts in Gladstone, get in touch with us today at Atkin Plumbing & Gasfitting. We are friendly and knowledgeable experts in hot water systems and all kinds of plumbing, and we’re always happy to offer advice and recommendations to our customers throughout Gladstone and the surrounding areas. Call us today on 0403 919 430 or email icbatkin@bigpond.com to find out more.
