Compare hot water heater styles
Deciding which style of hot water system will suit your home or business can be overwhelming. Ensuring the style you purchase is the most economical, and energy-efficient and will meet the hot water demands now and in the future can take some serious research.
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Our team work with all types of hot water systems every day and our customers often ask for advice on which water heater is best for their needs. The answer to this question depends on many factors such as available power options, storage space, roof area and aspect, hot water usage, purchase budget, and renewable energy priority.
Compare hot water system styles
We’ve put together some points as well as the pros and cons of each style to help you choose the perfect system for your needs.
Electric storage hot water systems
Pros
- Large quantity of hot water on hand to cope with high hot water requirements
- Indoor or outdoor installation options
- Suitable for continuous or off-peak tariffs - tank size increase should be considered for off-peak connection
- Mains pressure maintained
Cons
- Substantial space in the yard or cupboard inside required for installation
- Some regular maintenance such as anode replacement
- Continuously heating stored water - increasing energy costs
- Lag time while the tank reheats
Costs
The purchase price is generally quite affordable, but operation costs are on the high side.
Electric instant hot water
Pros
- Small unit
- Ideal for the office sink, granny flat or small bathroom where hot water needs are low
- Indoor fitted
- Heats on demand
Cons
- Minimal choice
- Some units have high power requirements - 3-phase power
Costs
The purchase price is within the mid-range but operation costs are high.
Gas storage hot water units
Pros
- Natural gas or LPG options
- Star-rated for easy comparison of running costs
- Energy efficient
- Indoor and outdoor installation options
Cons
- Continually heating stored water
- Storage space needed for LPG bottle
Costs
The purchase price is quite affordable and operation costs are within the mid-range.
Gas instant hot water
Pros
- Energy-efficient - up to 7 Star
- Versatile installation - the small unit is fitted to a wall
- Indoor and outdoor models
- Heats on demand - no heat loss through stored water
- Natural gas and LPG options
Cons
- Lower pressure than storage to allow water to heat as it passes through the heat exchanger
- Several units may be needed for a large house or homes with a high demand for hot water at one time of the day.
Costs
The purchase price is relatively affordable and operation costs are low.
Solar hot water systems
Pros
- Very energy efficient
- Utilises heat from the sun
- Ground (split system) or roof-mounted (thermosiphon) tank
- Electric or gas boosted options
- Possible rebates from state and federal green energy schemes
Cons
- Booster needed for overcast days
- Doesn't heat overnight
Costs
The purchase price sits between the mid to high range but operation costs are very low.
Heat pump water heaters
Pros
- Works very well in warmer climates
- Uses warmth from the air to heat the water
- Gas or electric booster options
- Easy upgrade from electric storage
- Around 3 times as energy efficient as electric storage
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Not ideal for cooler climates - needs to work longer to heat water reducing efficiency
- Outdoor installation only
Costs
The purchase price is high but operation costs are low.
More information on all these hot water system styles can be found here:
Need more help with choosing a hot water system?
Our experienced hot water and plumbing team can provide advice on upgrading or buying a new hot water system taking into account your specific requirements. Contact our team on 02 9191 7309 or complete our online booking request form today.
