What is the best hot water system in Australia?

The hot water system in our homes usually gets the least attention and it is only when something goes wrong that we shift our focus to it. A shower with icy cold water can be the most disappointing thing that can happen on any day. If the breakdown is sudden, you will not get enough time to do your research and will have to urgently buy a new unit. As a result, you might end up making an expensive and not the best choice. It is good to gather some advice from a reputed plumber Sydney, and understand what is the best choice to make.

Types of heating system

The first choice you have to make is the heating method: solar, gas, electricity or heat pump. Here is a quick guide on the different heating methods.

1. Solar: This system consists of a storage tank and solar collector panels. A family of four, on an average needs four square meter of solar collectors. A large storage tank is needed to provide for days with less sunlight. The storage tank is very often fitted with a gas or electric booster. The average price of this system is $2000 to $7000.
2. Gas: If you have a connection for natural gas, this system is a good option. The system comes with both electric ignition and pilot light. The price range is from $900 to $2000. Piped natural gas is common in Victoria, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra while other parts have limited availability.
3. Electric: An electric system is relatively cheap to buy and setup but the utility bills go up with it. The price range of the system is $300 to $1500.
4. Heat pump: This is an efficient system which extracts heat from the air and heat the water in the tank with the same. This needs to be installed in a well-ventilated area. They cost around $4000.

Best hot water system

According to some surveys, the most widely used hot water system in the electric one followed by the gas system. In Australia, storage heaters are very common, however people are now increasingly opting for continuous flow, condensing or non condensing water heaters. Storage heaters are easier and cheaper to install but running them is expensive. They are available in various sizes, but because the systems work by heating all the water in the tank you must opt for a size that suits your family’s needs.

Continuous flow systems are smaller and instantaneous and with them you never run out of hot water. Since you need to turn it on only during use, you also end up saving on energy. If you opt for this system make sure you choose the right flow rate as per the number of outlets.

Call a reputed plumber with experience in hot water heater Sydney and seek advice about the best place and method to install the system. Make sure you check that the plumber is licensed and is an accredited installer of the product you choose.