Hot water system types

Perhaps you are doing a bathroom renovation or some plumbing work. Or maybe you simply want to replace your hot water system. It can be a grand opportunity to install an excellent hot water system unit and get the best service for it. Thus, you should know the types of hot water systems there are.

The different types of hot water systems explained here will help you to make a good choice. You can read up on how to choose the best hot water system and the advantages and disadvantages of different types of hot water systems.

Types of hot water systems

When considering the types of hot water systems, you should know the essential features and their sizing options. There are two basic types of water heaters. They include storage systems and instantaneous systems.

Storage water heaters

These water heaters can store water for your use when you need it. Storage tanks help to store water. These tanks can refill and heat up again to keep providing hot water. With storage hot water systems, you can save costs by switching them to off-peak tariff modes.

This means that water is only heated when energy prices are lower. Unlike continuous flow systems that can take some time to heat up, storage hot water systems can provide hot water instantly.

Electric hot water systems

Electrical water heaters are the most common systems used in Australia. Electric storage hot water systems are found in around 50% of Australian homes. These storage electric hot water systems provide a cost-effective purchase and installation option.

However, they can be expensive to run. An electric storage system stores heated water in an insulated tank. This water can be provided when you need it.

Gas hot water systems

If you’re looking for an efficient hot water system, you can opt for storage gas hot water systems. After all, little heat is wasted as gas burns at high temperatures. A gas burner can be located beneath the storage tank in gas storage hot water units. It helps to heat and maintain water temperature at 60 °C.

Heat pump hot water systems

Heat pump water heaters can be highly energy efficient. Besides, your heat pump can make use of renewable energy without the need for extra panels.

Another term for heat pump hot water systems is ‘air-source heat pumps’. It uses a heat exchange system to transfer heat from outside the storage tank to the water within it.

Solar hot water systems

Think of a big battery when you think of solar hot water systems. This battery is capable of storing energy for needed uses. Furthermore, you can heat water and use it at a later time.

Solar water heaters have solar collector panels and storage tanks. This storage tank typically uses an electric or gas booster element to maintain hot water on days with less sunshine.

Instantaneous or continuous flow water heaters

Instead of storing heated water, continuous flow or instantaneous hot water systems heat the water so that you never run out of hot water. You can get hot water when needed. In other words, the system heats the water only when you turn on the hot taps. Cold water simply flows through copper piping. After that, heat is directly applied to the pipes.

Electric continuous-flow water heaters

You can also refer to these water heaters as instant electric hot water systems. These systems are powered by electricity and can heat the water whenever needed.

Note that instantaneous systems consume less energy than electric storage units. However, it produces more greenhouse gases as compared to gas storage units.

Gas instantaneous water heaters

You can also choose to go for this instantaneous option. The gas-fuelled option helps to conserve heat during the heating process. It uses a pilot flame or an electronic ignition.

You need a continuous flow of gas to provide continuous hot water. That is why you should get the right size of gas pipes and gas metres.

Choosing the best hot water system

Now you may be wondering which hot water system to use. Should you choose electric or gas? Or is a solar or heat pump better? Alternatively, you may ask why you should review your hot water system. Your current hot water system may unnecessarily take up much of your energy bills.

Lower hot water consumption can help you save money. The best hot water system for you depends on your needs. It would be best if you considered the following:

The number of potential users and facilities

For instance, a household of 6 persons and three bathrooms needs a different hot water system from a 1-person home.

Beneficial features

Some prefer a cost-effective and/or more eco-friendly unit. You may also choose a specific look.

Energy consumption

Hot water takes up around a quarter of the energy bill of an average Australian home. Therefore, consider this when choosing the best hot water systems.

Remember to do your own research. After that, contact your local hot water plumber to discuss your options.

Advantages and disadvantages of these systems

Advantages of electric hot water systems

• Lower upfront costs
• Easy installation
• Reliable
• Provides heat during off-peak times

Disadvantages of electric hot water systems

• They can be expensive in the long term
• They aren’t environmentally friendly if you do not use renewable energy sources

Advantages of heat pump hot water systems

• More environmentally friendly
• Provide high energy efficiency
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Easy installation
• It does not need batteries, inverters, or solar panels
• Saves money in the long term

Disadvantages of heat pump hot water systems

• Has higher upfront costs
• Not appropriate for frigid climates
• They can be unreliable with poor installation

Advantages of gas hot water systems

• It emits less greenhouse gas emissions
• It’s a cost-effective option in the long term
• The heat recovery time is quick

Disadvantages of gas hot water systems

• It would be best if you connected it to mains gas and may need LPG bottles
• You need to place it outside or put the exhaust fan inside
• The lack of insulation can lead to faster heat loss

Advantages of solar hot water systems

• Less greenhouse gas emissions
• The energy bills are lower
• The location of installation can be anywhere with enough space
• It doesn’t need much maintenance

Disadvantages of solar hot water systems

• Upfront costs can be higher
• The system needs enough space
• Energy production can be affected by the weather

Hot water system tips

Here are some hot water system tips you can implement:

• Your storage tank should be big enough to last a full day, especially if you heat water during ‘off-peak’ at night.
• You can recoup solar hot water panel installation costs through rebates and incentives. It also has low running costs.
• A reliable local hot water system installer can advise you on available rebates in your area.
• While using electric ignition may be more economical, you could lose the hot water supply during blackouts.
• Continuous flow systems can be more practical than storage tank systems for smaller households.
• If it’s a household of 1-2 people, you can use a small gas storage hot water system or a continuous flow hot water system (gas or electric).
• Be sure to properly set the trigger point of continuous flow water heaters. It shouldn’t be too high for low-flow showerheads.
• Using short pipe runs from your hot water system to main outlets, such as the kitchen sink, is better. This way, you do not wait long for hot water to arrive.
• It is preferable to hire a licensed plumber to perform gas hot water installation if you have a connection to a natural or LPG gas.
• Your heat pump can incur higher running costs if it operates electric boosters or the compressor runs on high-cost electricity tariffs. 
• According to law, your new hot water system should have tempering valves that provide a tap water temperature of 50°C.
• Remember to keep the pipes that supply hot water from the storage tank or water heater to the tempering valves well insulated.
• However, the hot water delivery temperature limit for early childhood centres or nursing homes should be 45°C.
• If your older house has a gravity-fed hot water system, it should be located in a circular tray to receive any water leaks.
• The water pressure depends on the difference in height between the hot water outlets and the cylinder.

Get help from hot water specialists

You have read up on the different types of hot water systems, choosing the best, and the pros and cons of the different types. Your next step should be to invite a hot water specialist in your locality for the supply and installation of different hot water system types and brands.

It is advisable to avoid going the DIY route for specific jobs including hot water replacements and new hot water installations. A professional plumbing contractor will help you select the right water heater for your hot water needs and ensure proper installation and functioning.