What is the most efficient hot water heater?
Choosing the best hot water system for your household and budget can be a little confusing. Ideally, you will want an energy-efficient and effective hot water system that is the best water heating solution to meet your specific needs.
Did you know that hot water heating is the second largest portion of Australian household energy use? It is also the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (up to 25%) from an average Australian home. Therefore using a renewable source, such as the sun, wind, the earth's heat (geothermal), and biomass (organic material that comes from plants and animals) will reduce or even eliminate the emissions. On average Australian households use around 120 to 130 litres of hot water per day.
The first decision you will need to make when choosing a hot water system is the energy source and heating method: electricity, gas, solar or heat pump.
Hot water system types
Solar hot water system
Solar has low running costs, and as it draws its energy from the sun, it's not adding to your energy bills. This makes a solar hot water system a wise investment as a well-chosen system will pay for itself in the long run due to its low running costs.
Electric hot water unit
An electric hot water system could account for a major chunk of your electricity bills, check with your energy provider that you are on the best electricity plan for your needs.
Electric water storage systems can be switched to an off-peak tariff to reduce electricity costs. This means water is only heated during the off-peak period when power prices are cheaper so the size of the unit needs to be adjusted to ensure your home has hot water when it is needed.
Heat pump water heater
This is a very efficient form of electric storage system that works on the same principle as a fridge or air conditioner, by extracting heat from the air and using it to heat the water in the tank.
The energy efficiency of a heat pump unit can be greatly increased if you have a solar power system. By powering the water heater with green solar power you minimise the amount of grid electricity needed for hot water.
Heat pump water heaters work best in warm and temperate regions.
Gas hot water system
Natural gas is a good option if your home is connected to the main gas system. It can be cheaper than electricity. (unless you have solar panels) and as gas rates don't vary through the day, gas hot water systems can heat water as needed.
You will find a gas instantaneous system with the same rating as a gas storage system will generally be more efficient and have lower energy consumption than the storage option.
Storage tank or instant hot water?
The next decision, after the heating method, is - do you go with a system with a tank or one that heats water as needed?
- Instantaneous - water is heated only as required and not stored in a tank.
- Storage tank - water is stored in a tank and kept hot, ready at all times. Off-peak systems only heat during off-peak times.
The leading hot water system brands
Finding it hard to choose the best hot water system for your household? Your local plumber can provide expert advice to ensure you get the most energy-efficient water heating solution from a proven brand. Some of the leading hot water system brands include:
Energy rating guide for hot water systems
To help with making your decision regarding which hot water system is the most energy efficient you can refer to the MEPS guide, this information provides consumers with the energy efficiency of that product.
(MEPS) Minimum Energy Performance Standards specify the minimum level of energy performance the appliances, lighting and electrical products must meet or exceed before they can be sold or used for commercial purposes. This information is available for electric gas or instantaneous hot water systems.
Everyday Plumbing can provide expert advice and information on hot water systems for your Sydney home or business. Why not talk to one of our friendly staff today on 0406 400 200 or simply complete our online booking form?
Reference - https://www.energyrating.gov.au/document/meps, https://www.choice.com.au/home-improvement/water/hot-water-systems/buying-guides/hot-water-systems
