3 Types of Hot Water Systems Explained

Need hot water repair in Mornington?

If you’ve ever been caught out by a broken hot water heater before, you’ll know that it’s not pleasant. This is especially true if it happens during the colder months. Cold showers and no warm water for cleaning can be a nightmare for any household. Not only that, but repairs can be expensive. If your heater is old and worn, you may even have to purchase a brand-new heating system. Thankfully, water heating technology has improved significantly over the last few decades. High-quality water systems are readily available, and are capable of heating a great deal of water efficiently. So, the big question is, what is the best hot water system to buy? We’re here today to discuss the 3 main types of hot water systems: Electric, gas and solar.

Electric water heaters

Electric storage water heaters operate much like a standard kettle, but on a larger scale. The water is pumped into a storage tank, where the tanks temperature is raised electrically before the water can begin to heat up. These tanks come in numerous sizes and are considered as one of the most affordable options on the market. However, whilst they’re cheap to purchase, they are not the most energy efficient option. On the other hand, an electric heat-pump hot water heater uses much less electricity than an electric storage water heater. This makes it much more energy efficient. Another electric option is an instantaneous hot water system, which only heats the water when you turn on your hot taps. These systems have a reduced water flow output and may require 3-phase power to be connected prior to installation. Contact a plumber in Mornington to determine whether or not your current setup can support an instantaneous system.

Gas water heaters

A gas hot water systems operates very similar to an electric hot water heater, except that a gas burner is used to heat up the storage tank rather than heating up electrically. Gas hot water systems are generally smaller than electric tanks because they are capable of heating the water much faster. Much like the electric instantaneous hot water system mentioned previously, there are also gas instantaneous hot water systems. These are very popular amongst homeowners and are one of the most common hot water systems installed in new homes. As a plumber on the Mornington Peninsula, we install instantaneous gas systems on a regular basis. They are highly energy-efficient and compact, making them an obvious choice for many. These systems only heat the water when a hot tap is turned on, meaning that you will never run out of hot water.

Solar water heaters

The solar hot water system is another increasingly popular option, with its environmentally friendly design. These systems utilise free solar energy from the sun to heat your water rather than relying on unsustainable fossil fuels. The system uses an arrangement of solar panels, which are usually placed on your roof. However, these solar water heaters must still be connected to either electricity or gas. This is to ensure you can still get hot water if the sun isn’t capable of heating it for you. If you’re living in a warm part of Australia, the sun may be able to provide 100% of your waters heat. However, if you’re getting a hot water installation in Mornington, you may need to rely on a little extra electricity or gas.

So, which one should you choose?

Now that you understand a little bit about each system, you may be wondering which one will actually suit your home and lifestyle. Ultimately, the best way to decide on a hot water heater is to contact a local hot water plumber in Mornington. They’ll be happy to provide you with some advice on which type of system is best suited to your requirements. As a general guide, considering the following points:

• An electric hot water heater can heat your water during cheaper ‘off-peak’ times at night. However, you will need a storage tank that is big enough to last the whole day.
• Natural gas is cheaper than electricity, and there are no ‘peak’ and ‘off-peak’ tariffs to worry about.
• For an efficient solar heater setup, solar panels must be located in the correct position and cost thousands of dollars to install. However, there are a range of government rebates and incentives, not to mention the extremely low running costs, meaning that the payback period is shorter.
• Heat pumps require a well-ventilated area for installation. They are not suitable for indoor use either as they make a loud noise.

Still undecided?

If you still can’t decide on which hot water heating system is right for you, please contact our team of specialist hot water plumbers in Mornington. We’ll help you to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each system type, so you can be sure you’re choosing a hot water heater that’s right for you. At HRA Plumbing, we provide hot water repair in Mornington, Mount Martha, Mount Eliza, Frankston and across the Peninsula. We also install brand-new hot water heaters if you’re thinking of upgrading or replacing your existing system. Take control of your hot water, with HRA Plumbing.