The process of deciding which type of hot-water system will be suitable for your house and family’s needs will require some investigation, but the effort will be worth it over the long haul.
Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages of the hot water systems and instant style options to plumber belmont assist you in making an informed choice when it comes to making a change to your unit either upgrading or repairing a hot water heater.
Electric Hot Water System
Advantages
- reasonably inexpensive to buy and set up
- It is a simple upgrade or replacement for those who already have an outdated gas or storage electric system.
- Numerous systems are able to be connected to off-peak electric tariffs to lower operating costs.
- flexible installation – indoor or outdoor options
- larger units can offer hot water to multiple outlets at once which means you can use the hot water tap in your kitchen and not lose hot water to the shower.
- larger models can accommodate large houses with up to six people in the same unit
- Provides mains pressure
- Compact models are perfect for small hot water needs, like small kitchens in offices or apartments.
Disadvantages
- Storage with electric power can be the most costly option for running particularly if you are on a perpetual (anytime) price
- Storage tanks can take up lots of room in compact backyard
- Tanks require constant heating to maintain the temperature of stored water at 60 degrees Celsius in order to stop the growth of harmful bacteria like Legionella bacteria.
- maintenance involves replacement of the sacrificial anode every couple of years (frequency will be determined by the quality of water in your region)
Gas Hot Water System
Advantages
- Energy efficient options are available
- More efficient heat recovery than storage with electricity
- Outdoor and indoor models to allow for a flexible installation
- Greenhouse gas emissions are lower than electric power options
Disadvantages
- The use of LPG can result in higher operating costs
- Homeowners without a current natural gas connection will have to account for connection costs in the installation budget
- Venting is required if the installation is indoors.
Instant Or Continuous Flow Hot Water System
This type of hot water system can be known by various names, like instant immediate, instantaneous flow tankless, on-demand, or tankless. Their compact design ensures that it is possible to install instant units practically everywhere.
Advantages
- Only heat the water when it’s required, thereby reducing the running cost
- Energy efficient – the use of very little energy in heating the water
- indoor or outdoor models available
- There is no requirement to heat water over 50°C to save money
- No power used or wasted to keep the water warm in the tank.
- small size, it can fit almost in any size from a huge house to a small space
- both gas and electric models, but gas-powered models are much more prevalent
- both natural gas as well as LPG alternatives are available.
- usually lasts twice as long as the storage method (about 20 years).)
Disadvantages
- usually cost more to buy and install as compared to a conventional storage system.
- larger units might be required to provide multiple taps at a time.
- Multiple units may be required for a home that has many bathrooms as well as the laundry and kitchen that require hot water all at once.
- The instant hot water systems is placed close to an outlet of hot water
- gas units require venting
- The minimum flow rate is required to enable the heat exchanger. This makes these units not suitable for locations that have low pressure, or showerheads with low flow or tapware.
Solar Hot Water System
Advantages
- Reduce the energy bills of your home dramatically.
- Perhaps qualified to receive the government STC rebates, which can help reduce the cost of buying
- Close-coupled models are hidden on the roof
- Electric or gas boosted models are available.
- Gas boosted models for extra energy efficiency
Disadvantages
- Costly to purchase and to install.
- Not recommended for homes with shaded roofs.
- The effectiveness is diminished if trees are growing or tall structures shade your house in the future
- Not suitable for homes that have little (or no) roof area
- Overcast conditions can decrease the effectiveness
- Only for outdoor installation
Heat Pump Hot Water System
Advantages
- Three times as efficient as a hot water heater
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Green energy without the need for roof-mounted panels.
- It is a simple upgrade to the many older electric water storage heaters.
- Booster available
- An extremely efficient and energy efficient option for warmer climates.
Disadvantages
- One of the most costly hot water designs to purchase
- Not recommended for extremely cold climates. A longer time between booster runs reduces effectiveness
- Noise can be a nuisance – Care must be taken when deciding on the location to place. Do not install near sleeping areas or neighbors
- Only for outdoor installation
Conclusion
Do not be afraid to seek expert assistance by contacting the plumber Adelaide also as they’ve worked on numerous hot water heaters across many homes and can give you specific guidance on a number of other things you might not have thought of.