What types of hot water systems can I choose from?

There are three main options.

Solar hot water service:

• Heats water directly with the sun’s energy
• Water is heated as it circulates through flat, glazed panels installed on the roof of your home, then stored in an insulated tank
• Includes an auxiliary gas or electric water heater so you won’t run out of hot water even if there’s not enough sun to heat all you need
• Longer life expectancy than traditional systems.
• Government rebates may be applicable – ask in-store for details

Storage hot water service:

• The traditional option – simple, proven, reliable and easy
• Economical to purchase and install
• Large quantities of water are heated and stored in a cylinder, and provided at mains pressure to several taps at the same time
• Can be installed inside your home, but usually outside
• Come in a range of sizes, and with options including rapid heating and improved energy efficiency.

Continuous flow hot water service:

• Newer technology
• Heats water as it is needed
• You use digital controllers to set the water temperature – so you can have a lower maximum in the bathroom for children’s safety, and higher in the kitchen for hygienic cleaning, you can change any time – you don’t even need to mix hot with cold water
• Compact units, take up minimum space
• Outstanding energy efficiency.

How do I know what kind to buy?

We’d suggest a checklist to help you decide which would suit your needs best:

• How many people are in the house?
• Do they take baths or showers (baths use almost twice as much water as a five-minute shower)?
• Are there teenagers in the house using extra water (or will there be during the life of the system)?
• Do you expect your family to grow?
• What appliances do you have that use hot water (a washing machine uses as much hot water as another person)?

Call us on 13 24 27 for advice on how much water you’ll need and what type of service would suit you best.