A Hot Water System delivers hot water to domestic fixtures, such as sinks, showers, washing machines and bathtubs. It may use gas (LPG or natural), electricity or solar energy. It is essential to consider the size of system required, its running costs and environmental impacts when making a purchasing decision. A quality, efficient hot water system will save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the resale value of your home.
There are two main types of systems: storage and continuous flow (or instantaneous). Both can use multiple energy sources to heat the water, including electric resistance heaters, gas burners and heat pumps. Storage systems use a large insulated tank to store hot water until needed. They are available in various sizes and may be located either indoors or outdoors, depending on the layout of your house. Tanks are made from copper, glass (enamel) lined steel or stainless steel. They typically have a sacrificial anode fitted to reduce tank corrosion, and are typically backed up by a warranty of 5-10 years.
To ensure the safe delivery of hot water to the consumer, all systems are required by law to have a tempering valve fitted. The valve regulates the delivery temperature to 50degC, which reduces the risk of burns and scalds.
The location of the storage tank is critical, as piping heat losses are higher when it is located further from hot water usage points. Locating the system closer to the point of consumption will minimise piping costs and heat loss, and will also reduce wait times for hot water at those points. It is essential to have a suitable capacity storage tank for your household size and hot water usage patterns.
If the storage tank is located in an exposed position, it is important to install a thermal blanket around the bottom of the tank to prevent stratification and associated problems. A constantly running auxiliary circulation pump is vital in the operation of a storage system to keep the water moving and avoid stratification. The pump should be capable of pumping 0.2 to 0.5 times the system’s tank capacity per hour.
Continuing research into new technology has produced a wide range of energy efficient hot water systems. Some are available as a stand-alone option, while others can be combined with solar or renewable energy to provide a complete solution. These include solar hot water systems with a backup electric resistance heater, and gas continuous flow systems that incorporate a booster to assist at peak demand times.
Some of the major brands of hot water systems are Rheem, Aquamax, Bosch, Thermann and Rinnai. These manufacturers manufacture electric, gas (including LPG), solar and continuous flow systems. The energy efficiency of the system you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including your house layout, your hot water requirements and availability of energy sources. Solar hot water systems require adequate roof space with good sun access and will be more effective in some climates than others.
source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2023/12/02/energy-efficient-hot-water-systems/
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