When deciding on best hot water system for your home you will need to consider:
- number of people in your house
- what it costs to buy and run
- your existing water heater, and
- power sources available to you.
Consider the following hot water systems and heating options:
Solar
- greatly reduces your power bills as it uses energy from the sun to heat water at zero cost and produces no carbon pollution
- provides between 50-90 per cent of your total hot water requirements – systems come with a gas, off-peak electric or solid fuel booster
- costs more to buy than electric or gas water heaters – but will pay for itself through much lower power bills and is the most environmentally friendly option.
Natural gas
- comes in storage and continuous flow systems and produces far less carbon pollution than comparable electric systems
- is quicker to heat and uses a smaller tank than a comparable electric storage system
- look for the gas energy rating label with the highest number of stars - choose one with a 5 or 6 star energy rating.
Electric heat pump
- is an efficient type of electric storage water heater which uses around 70 per cent less electricity than other electric water heaters
- draws heat from the air, water or ground to heat water – using about one quarter to one third of the energy of a standard electric storage system
- like a solar water heater, it costs more to buy and install but will pay for itself through far lower power bills
- can be made even more efficient by using a solar booster.
Remember, whatever type of hot water system you have, always turn it off when going away on holidays and periodically check the temperature is within the manufacturers recommended range.