Whether you’re taking a long hot shower or relaxing in a tub full of steaming hot water, a hot water system is essential for our everyday lives. They’re not only used in residential homes, they play a vital role in hospitals and other businesses that rely on hot water to sterilise equipment and maintain a clean environment.
Hot water systems heat a building’s thermal energy by circulating heated water through a network of pipes to radiators and air handler units, which then release the heat into the surrounding space. A hot water system can use any fuel source to heat the water, including electricity, natural gas and oil. The resulting heated water is then pumped through the building and into hot water outlets such as taps, showers and baths.
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right hot water system for your home or workplace. Some of the most important factors are available space, energy supply options, and your hot water needs.
A hot water storage system consists of a tank and is usually located at ground level in your home or at the nearest point to your incoming mains pressure (refer to your system manual for details). Most of these tanks are ‘unvented’ which means they don’t require a vent pipe to keep the water under pressure, so are often easier to install.
Storage systems provide large quantities of hot water at a time, with higher flow rates and lower energy costs than continuous flow or instantaneous gas systems. However, they do have a higher upfront cost and may not be suitable for properties with hard water that can cause systems to work harder and increase their maintenance requirements.
Solar hot water systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits. If you have suitable roof space and good solar access, a high efficiency solar hot water system is low in greenhouse gas emissions. Other renewable energy alternatives include heat pumps that run on electricity from your solar photovoltaic system (or GreenPower from your electricity retailer), and are also low in greenhouse gas emissions.
Hot water systems should be set to a minimum temperature of 60degC to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause harm to humans, such as Legionella. The thermostat must be set to this temperature, and not any higher, as this will use energy unnecessarily.
If you choose to invest in an electric or continuous flow system, you will need to make sure it is installed correctly and is regularly serviced to avoid leaks and other problems. Always check the thermostat is set to the correct temperature, and consult the manufacturer’s website or user manual to find out what it should be. It is also recommended to have your system serviced by a licensed plumber every few years.
source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2024/02/24/hot-water-systems-what-you-need-to-know/
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