Hot running water is one of life’s little luxuries, especially relished in winter for relaxing, warm showers and baths. The most suitable and reliable hot water system for you will depend on many factors so ensure that you do your homework and know what all your options are.
What is the best hot water system for you?
Getting the right sized hot water system for your home is critical. The perfect size will mean rarely running out of hot water, never wasting money heating water you don’t use, as well as saving on the purchase price of your new system. Generally speaking, one person typically uses 50 litres of hot water in a day. If everyone in your home showers in the evening, plus you run the dishwasher and throw a load of washing on when you finish work, you’ll need a large system to avoid running out. A household where some are morning showerers and some evening, the clothes washing is done during the day and the dishwasher timer is set to run at 2am to take advantage of off-peak tariffs will require a smaller system.
Buy your hot water system with the future in mind
A standard storage hot water system will last around 10 years so make sure you plan for the future. Are you planning on having more children? Are you considering sub-letting part of your home? Ensure the system you choose can meet the demands of the future.
What is the cheapest hot water system to run?
For most households, a solar hot water system can be the most efficient and cheapest to run. If solar is not an option, here are other suggestions:
⦁ Small household (1–2 people): Continuous flow hot water system (gas or electric) or small gas storage hot water system.
⦁ Medium household (3–4 people): Gas systems (continuous flow or storage), or a heat pump.
⦁ Large household (5+ people): Multiple continuous flow hot water may be an option but gas storage units may be more economical. Large heat pumps are also an option.
How efficient are your pipes?
Is there a long pipe run from your hot water system to the main outlets? E.g. The kitchen sink or shower. Long pipe runs are inefficient and result in long waits for the hot water to arrive. It also means wasted energy and water. A shorter run is better. Ideally, the hot water pipe should be insulated. A licensed plumber can help with this.
Peak or off-peak power?
If your chosen power source is electricity and you’re keen to keep the costs of running your hot water heater down by connecting the system to an off-peak tariff (often between 10pm and 7am) you’ll nee to install a large system as it will need to supply hot water to your home for the whole day and will only reheat at night (during the off-peak times). This also applies to solar hot water systems as they only heat water during the day (without the booster function).
Gas vs electric
As a general overview, gas hot water systems are more expensive to install than electric systems but are cheaper to run over time. Gas hot water systems are a more environmentally friendly alternative than electric systems because they generate less greenhouse emissions.
Hiring the right hot water professionals in Sydney
Many factors need to be considered to ensure the water heater you choose is ideal for your home, family, lifestyle and budget. Our hot water services at Newman and Barker Plumbing cover both gas and electric systems. We supply and install quality Rinnai systems with a generous 10-year warranty. We also specialise in hot water repairs and servicing. Our other specialties include backflow prevention testing, commercial plumbing, gas plumbing and plumbing emergencies.
Do you have a plumbing emergency? Our plumbers cover a wide service area of Sydney, including Campbelltown, Narellan, Thirlmere, Camden, Bowral, Tahmoor, Appin, Bargo, Picton, Wilton, Mittagong, Braemar, Wattle Ridge, Yerrinbool and Hill Top.
For more information and quotes, contact our hot water specialists at Newman and Barker Plumbing on (02) 4625 5409 or online here. You can also connect with us on Facebook.