How To Find The Best Hot Water System For Your Household Needs

Types of Hot Water Systems

Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems are a popular choice for many households in Melbourne due to their quick and reliable heating. Gas systems tend to heat up to twice as fast as their electric counterparts, providing a higher amount of heated water quicker, this makes them a great choice for large households.

While gas hot water systems can be more expensive initially with extra piping and ventilation systems needing to be added during installation, they are more cost-efficient in the long run as gas is generally more affordable than electricity and they won’t add costs to your regular electricity bills.

Another advantage of these systems is that they will continue to work during a power outage so you won’t have to suffer through icy showers when the power is out. They also emit less greenhouse gases, making them a great choice for eco-conscious families.

The only con or warning to note about gas water heating systems is that they need regular servicing to keep them safe and prevent hazardous gas leaks.

Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric hot water systems are the most common in residential properties, this is because they are reliable and easy to connect to your household’s power supply. These systems are great at supplying large amounts of hot water as they work by heating the whole tank from an element at the base. This means your whole household should be able to enjoy a hot shower or bath without it running cold.

Electric hot water systems are among the cheapest on the market to purchase and their easy installation keeps these costs down also. However, unfortunately, these systems can be costly to run unless you have solar panels to power the system and heat the tank during the day.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Heat pump hot water systems use heat from the surrounding air to heat the water in the tank, this allows it to use less electricity. This makes them one of the most efficient water heaters on the market.

These heat pumps are highly economical and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for families focused on sustainability and cost savings. You can even drive costs down further if you have a roof-top solar system to run the pump during the day. However, they can be a little more expensive to purchase and install than their electric tank counterparts.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems are one of the cheapest water heaters to run, however, they are one of the most expensive to purchase and install. They are a great way to promote sustainable living while saving on future electricity bills.

These water heaters work great during the warmer months when we have lots of bright sunny days here in Victoria, but you may want to consider a backup heating source for when the rains hit and the weather turns gloomy.

Solar hot water systems are a great option for saving money over time and increasing your sustainability, but you’ll need to consider the initial costs and the costs of a backup system against these savings when making your decision.

Instantaneous Hot Water Systems

Instantaneous hot water systems are a great way to minimise the waste of electricity and hot water. These heaters only heat water as you need and don’t waste power heating a giant tank. This will help to reduce your electricity bills over time. This makes them a perfect solution for families or households that travel frequently for work or leisure and don’t require a lot of hot water constantly.

Their instantaneous heating also makes them a perfect backup system for a solar water heater, providing you with reliable hot water on those gloomy or rainy days. If you have a large property and it takes a long time for water to reach the other side of the house, instant hot water systems can be a great way to supply hot water quicker to certain fixtures in laundries or guest bathrooms.

These instant systems are also highly energy efficient, making them better for the environment. And since they’re designed to run slightly less than other systems, they often last longer and require less maintenance. This saves you even more in the long run to make up for the initial purchasing and installation costs which can be slightly higher than other systems.

Choosing The Best Hot Water System for Your Household

As you can tell, there are many factors to consider when choosing your next hot water system. Whether you want to opt for the tried and true (and initially cheaper) electric system, an innovative solar system to do your part for the environment or a reliable gas hot water system, they each have their own benefits and advantages.

When deciding, it’s important to consider your household’s water usage and budget. Still unsure? Contact our experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services and we can inspect your property and existing system to help you make an informed decision. We can even handle the whole hot water system installation for you.