Hot water
Stop your money going down the drain. Choose a quality hot water system that’s right for you and will save on your energy bills.
Solar hot water systems
- Heat water directly with the sun’s energy aided by an electric or gas booster element when needed
- Heat water or glycol as it circulates through flat, glazed panels installed on the roof of your house, then either stored or heats water stored in an insulated tank
- Include an auxiliary gas or electric heating element so you won’t run out of hot water even if there’s not enough solar energy to heat all you need
- Can use less energy because the sun’s rays will heat between 60 and 95% of your hot water requirements (some owners report their units are 100% solar efficient)
- Cost more to buy and install than a conventional system – some $2000 above a storage service
- Are subject to government rebates. Check to see if you are eligible to help offset the cost
- Estimated to reduce your hot water energy use by up to 60% each year in Victoria , for example, and pay for itself in between 4-10 years at today’s energy prices
- Have longer life expectancy than traditional systems.
- This is currently the most energy efficient type of electric hot water system available
- Some models are estimated to be up to 66% more energy efficient than traditional storage-type electric hot water systems and suitable for off-peak tariff connection
- Can collect energy under all weather conditions with atmospheric temperatures above 5°C in an open area
- Heat pumps require electrical connection and must be located externally.
- Newer technology with electronic ignition and set temperature delivery available
- Heats water as it is needed
- Offer 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 and you can adjust the temperature from the main control unit any time – without the need to mix hot with cold water
- Compact units, take up minimum space
- Outstanding energy efficiency
- Available in electric and gas units with a variety of ignition options.
- The traditional option – simple, proven, reliable and easy
- Inexpensive to purchase and install
- Large quantities of water are heated and stored in a cylinder, and can provide hot water 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
- Suitably sized electric units may be connected to off-peak tariffs (if available)
- Outside units in cold areas can be insulated to minimise daily heat loss.
What to consider when buying a hot water system
When you buy a hot water system, remember you are buying it to meet your needs for at least the next 10 years. That means you need to think about:- Installation charges and future running costs as well as purchase price
- Any rebates you may be entitled to
- How many people are usually in your home (including frequent guests)
- Whether your family is likely to grow and if you have babies or young children, how much extra hot or warm washing you’ll be doing
- What other hot water-using appliances you have or might get
- The size of your home, especially extra bathrooms or showers
- How many hot taps you might want to use at once
- Your preferred energy – solar, gas, electricity and hot water tariff choice (some states offer off-peak electricity options), running costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions
- Service availability (you may not have natural gas available to your property).
For expert advice on buying energy efficient hot water systems – gas, electric or solar - call us on 13 14 27 (Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales).