How to Make Sure Your Hot Water Systems Are Running As Efficiently As Possible

Hot Water Systems are the essential part of our daily lives and it’s easy to forget how much we rely on them. However, there are a few things we can do to make sure our Hot Water Systems are running as efficiently as possible.

In many homes, a gas or electric storage system is the preferred method for heating and storing hot water for usage. However, there are alternative options to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts that may suit your needs better. These include a gas instantaneous or heat pump system.

A gas instantaneous hot water system is a more efficient alternative to traditional electric storage tanks. They have a quicker recovery time and are able to deliver unlimited amounts of hot water at any given moment based on your needs. This eliminates waste of energy keeping the hot water tank hot when you aren’t using it and can save on your electricity bill as there is no standby power being used.

The main types of gas hot water systems are continuous flow, gas instantaneous and hybrid instantaneous/gas system. They are also available in split system (where the evaporator is installed away from the hot water tank) or integrated systems where the evaporator and the tank are one unit. The advantage of a continuous flow system is that it uses less gas than a storage system as the water is constantly heated and is being supplied to your appliances whenever you need it. They are also suitable for households that don’t have enough space for a larger gas storage system or where the hot water demand is higher.

Another option is to install a solar hot water system. This can be a great way to significantly reduce your energy bills as they use the sun’s free energy to provide most of the hot water needed in your home. However, it is important to understand that they are more expensive than traditional storage systems and are more prone to heat loss. To minimise this loss it is recommended to wrap your solar water heater with an insulation blanket (not suitable for gas storage systems with pilot lights) and insulate all hot water pipes – particularly those leading to and from the relief valve. (The National Construction Code requires insulation of these pipes).

While it is tempting to set your hot water thermostat higher than 140 degrees, a lower temperature setting is safer for elderly people and children who are more likely to burn easily or suffer painful injuries from scalding. In some instances, those with suppressed immune systems or respiratory conditions may benefit from a slightly warmer water temperature as it can kill bacteria and create more steam in the air when showering. However, they should still follow safety guidelines and only use the highest safe temperature. Also remember that you should always have a thermometer in your hot water system to check the temperature. Calibrating your thermometer regularly ensures it is accurate.

source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2023/06/09/how-to-make-sure-your-hot-water-systems-are-running-as-efficiently-as-possible/