How to choose the right hot water system for your home

Understanding your family’s water usage is the first step in choosing the right system. The key factors to consider are:

Household Size and Hot Water Demand

• Small households (1-2 people): Smaller, more compact systems like electric storage or continuous flow units work well.
• Medium households (3-4 people): A medium-sized system, such as a gas hot water system or a larger heat pump, is usually sufficient.
• Large households (5+ people): Larger systems with higher capacity, such as gas or solar hot water systems, are more suitable.

Consider peak usage times, such as mornings when everyone is showering. A system that can handle multiple water demands at once is essential for larger families.

Hot Water Usage Patterns

• Regular Usage: If you have frequent hot water usage throughout the day, a continuous flow system or a larger gas system may be a better fit.
• Occasional      Use: For homes where hot water is used less      often, smaller systems or electric storage units may be appropriate.

There are several types of hot water systems available. Each comes with its own benefits and limitations. Here are the most common types in Australia:

Gas Hot Water Systems

• How it  works: Uses natural gas or LPG to heat water in      a storage tank or continuously on demand (instantaneous).
• Pros: 
  • Cheaper running costs compared to electric systems.
  • Faster recovery times for hot water.
  • Available in both storage (tank) and instantaneous (on-demand)  models.
• Cons: 
  • Higher installation costs if your home doesn’t already have gas connections.
  • Requires regular maintenance.

Best for: Larger households or homes in areas with affordable natural gas.

Solar Hot Water Systems

• How it  works: Solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is then used to heat water in a storage tank.
• Pros: 
  • Eco-friendly, as they rely on solar energy.
  • Low   running costs after installation.
  • Ideal for hot and sunny climates.
• Cons: 
  • High upfront costs.
  • Efficiency is weather-dependent, meaning it may not work well on cloudy or cold days.
  • Requires a large roof area for the panels.

Best for: Homes in sunny areas looking for long-term energy savings and reduced carbon footprint.

  Continuous Flow (Instantaneous) Hot Water SystemsHow it    works: Water is heated on-demand, meaning it     doesn’t need to be stored in a tank.

• Pros: 
  • Unlimited  hot water as long as there’s a  demand.
  • Energy-efficient, heating water only when needed.
  • Space-saving design since there’s no bulky tank.
• Cons: Can be expensive to install
  • May struggle to provide enough hot water if multiple outlets (e.g., multiple       showers) are used simultaneously.

Best for: Small to medium households that need an efficient, space-saving system and don’t mind potentially higher installation costs.

Choosing an energy-efficient hot water system will save you money in the long run. Consider the following:

• Electric systems typically have higher operating costs, especially for large families with high hot water demand.
• Gas systems are cheaper to run than electric systems, but running costs depend on the price of gas in your area.
• Solar and heat pump systems have higher upfront costs but offer significant long-term savings and lower operational costs.

Check the star ratings and Energy Rating labels on the system to see how energy-efficient it is. The more stars it has, the more energy-efficient it is likely to be.

Different hot water systems require different amounts of space:

• Storage tank systems (electric or gas) need more space for the tank, which can be quite large.
• Heat pump systems require space outside the home for the unit to draw in air.
• Solar systems need roof space for the panels.
• Continuous flow systems are compact and take up less space, making them ideal for smaller homes.

Different systems have different maintenance needs:

• Gas storage systems require periodic servicing to ensure they run efficiently.
• Solar systems require occasional cleaning of the panels and inspection to ensure optimal performance.
• Heat pumps need to be checked for issues such as refrigerant levels, particularly in colder climates.
• Continuous flow systems require regular servicing, especially gas models, to ensure they are safe and efficient.