How Do I... Choose the Right Hot-Water System?
There's no one-size-fits-all solution for hot-water systems – here's how to select the right type to suit your needs
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, John Wilkins, product marketing manager at Rheem Australia, reveals how to select the right hot-water system to suit your household’s needs.
What are the main systems to choose from?
Gas: There are two types of gas hot-water systems – storage and continuous flow. You also have a choice of natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).
Gas: There are two types of gas hot-water systems – storage and continuous flow. You also have a choice of natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).
- Storage system: Gas storage systems heat and store water so it’s ready for immediate use. The water is always hot and ready to flow at mains pressure when hot-water taps are opened, and these systems can service multiple showers or other hot-water needs at once. This makes them a great choice for large households that have major peak periods of use or many hot-water taps running simultaneously.
- Continuous-flow systems: These models heat water when it is needed, for as long as it is needed, rather than heating bulk amounts of water for later use. Their ability to service multiple showers and hot water needs at once can be limited.
Electric storage-water heaters: These are a relatively inexpensive solution. Electric storage-water heaters are ideal for use with money-saving, off-peak tariffs and they come in a range of sizes to suit different household configurations.
Electric storage-water heaters can be installed inside or outside, and have the same footprint when you’re replacing a like-for-like unit, which can save money on replacement costs.
Electric storage-water heaters can be installed inside or outside, and have the same footprint when you’re replacing a like-for-like unit, which can save money on replacement costs.
Solar: There are two types of solar hot-water systems – roof-mounted and ground-mounted.
Although solar heaters require a bigger upfront investment than other types of hot-water systems, they’ll save significant amounts of money long-term, which can be particularly appealing if you use a lot of hot water.
Depending on where you live and your climate zone, you may also be eligible for hot water rebates or government incentives to maximise the free energy from the sun for your hot water.
- Roof-mounted: These combine collectors and a tank in a roof-mounted design, freeing up space on the ground level of your home.
- Ground-mounted: These combine slim roof-mounted collectors with a ground-mounted tank, reducing the structural load and visual impact on the roof.
Although solar heaters require a bigger upfront investment than other types of hot-water systems, they’ll save significant amounts of money long-term, which can be particularly appealing if you use a lot of hot water.
Depending on where you live and your climate zone, you may also be eligible for hot water rebates or government incentives to maximise the free energy from the sun for your hot water.
Heat pumps: These work by transferring the heat in the air outside the unit to the water stored inside the tank via a heat-exchange system. Like solar hot-water heaters, heat pumps can cost more to purchase than conventional hot-water systems. But, like solar, they can save energy long-term.
Air-sourced heat pumps work best in warm, humid climates. The government also offers some incentives to reduce up-front costs of heat-pump systems.
Air-sourced heat pumps work best in warm, humid climates. The government also offers some incentives to reduce up-front costs of heat-pump systems.
What size tank do I need?
To work this out, you’ll need to factor in the size of your household, the number of hot-water outlets, how many appliances in your home use hot water and how many people use hot water at the same time. The best thing is to speak to an expert, such as a plumber, for advice.
To work this out, you’ll need to factor in the size of your household, the number of hot-water outlets, how many appliances in your home use hot water and how many people use hot water at the same time. The best thing is to speak to an expert, such as a plumber, for advice.
Why do I keep running out of hot water?
You might be using more hot water than you think. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of hot water you use every day. Monitor your hot-water usage and check if there are any places where you are using a considerable amount of hot water.
You can reduce your hot-water usage by setting your washing machine on a cold-water setting and installing water-efficiency devices such as water-saving shower heads. Most plumbers are experts in this area and will be well-placed to advise you on this.
You could also ask your plumber to check that the thermostat is set at the right level for your needs.
You might be using more hot water than you think. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of hot water you use every day. Monitor your hot-water usage and check if there are any places where you are using a considerable amount of hot water.
You can reduce your hot-water usage by setting your washing machine on a cold-water setting and installing water-efficiency devices such as water-saving shower heads. Most plumbers are experts in this area and will be well-placed to advise you on this.
You could also ask your plumber to check that the thermostat is set at the right level for your needs.
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Find a bathroom designer near you
When it comes time to replace an old hot-water system, many people automatically choose the same type they’ve had before. They may not factor in that their needs have changed over the years, or that there might be a more suitable system available.
Without doing your homework or thinking about your current requirements, it’s easy to end up with a hot-water system that’s good, but not ideal – whether it’s choosing one that’s larger than you need or one that’s unnecessarily costly to run.
There are many types of water heaters available, which can be overwhelming. It’s important to consider the different options and think carefully about your household’s hot-water needs, including how many people use it, how many hot-water outlets you have and the size of your home.