If you reside in a place where winter calls for some hot shower, then investing in the best hot water system is the main call of action. This might be your very first time when you are about to purchase water heaters. If so, then there are four main considerations to follow while doing the same. First, you need to focus on the size of the water system you are looking for. Then you need to focus on the continuous flow system or the electric storage hot water system and some of the other features to consider. Focusing on the right fuel type is important and some of those are solar, electric, gas or heat pumps.
Finally, you need to be aware of the buying tips involved with the best hot water system. You can’t just simply invest in the first name that crosses the board and cover your bit of research as well!
For the electric storage hot water systems:
It might be a great dilemma regarding which one to choose between storage and continuous hot water systems. Each model has its own set of features, pros and cons to help you determine making the right choice.
With electric storage hot water system, you get to store hot water in the tank for a longer span of time. They will receive a supply of cold water which will then get heated up when the unit is turned on. Tanks are mostly insulated. So, there is always going to be minimal heat loss. You can install the storage water heater tanks outside or inside.
- Most of the storage hot water systems are available with a warranty period of 5 to 10 years from the manufacturer’s side.
- Once purchased and properly maintained, these systems can last for around 10 to 15 years. Some of them have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years.
- Now, the size of the storage system will depend on your household’s size and the requirement of hot water in it.
- It is important to know that these storage tanks need regular maintenance. It is because the internal components of these machines are always prone to tear and wear.
- You have the sacrificial anode rod, which is designed for attracting corrosive materials to prevent tank corrosion.
- It must be replaced according to the instruction of the manufacturer or once every 5 years. But, if you develop any fault, replacing it before the allotted time is highly advisable.
- There are different factors, which will determine the life expectancy of the hot water tank. It depends on multiple factors like the maintenance you have covered, the quality of water to be heated up and more.
- There are different materials, used for manufacturing storage hot water systems. Some of the major ones are copper, steel and vitreous enamel.
- You can further avail these hot water systems in multiple types like electric, solar, gas and the heat pump.
Getting along with the continuous hot water systems:
The points mentioned above have clearly portrayed what you need to learn about storage hot water systems. Now, it is time to shift your gears towards Continuous hot water system for a change and learn a bit more about it.
Here, in the continuous hot water systems, the cold water will flow through the heater when you turn on the tap. Then the cold water gets heated up using the heating element within electric system or with the help of a gas burner for instant gas system. It helps to deliver consistent hot water but during high demand, there will be some lag of hot water with such systems.
- When compared to the storage versions, continuous hot water systems are highly compact and you can fix them on the wall.
- It is always cheaper to opt for continuous hot water systems than the storage version. So, it is a great pick if you have a tight budget plan.
- Based on the hot water outlets you have, the size of the main hot water system will vary. You have to coordinate the proper use of multiple appliances like dishwasher, washing machine or showers.
- On the other hand, if you are opening up multiple taps at once then the supply of hot water is subject to decrease quite a bit.
- There are some tankless versions available of continuous hot water systems, designed to last for a period of 20 years.
- You can change the parts of the tankless version easily and that will make the entire system runs a bit longer.
- You can get hold of the instant hot water systems in their gas and electric variants as well.
The ones between electric and gas:
You have the gas-powered hot water systems in Sydney, which are way more efficient and common in Australian household. Furthermore, gas is always cheaper when compared to electricity. So, with the gas based continuous system, you are likely to save a great deal of money.
The instant based hot water systems are always the energy efficient one within your pre-set package and will have 6 to 7-star ratings to them. When compared to the storage system, the instant one is always more energy-efficiency.
So, make sure to learn the differences pretty well before making an investment. Once you have purchased one, you are stuck with the system for few decades to come, for sure!
Also, Read – How to Extend The Life of Your Air Conditioner
