Choosing the right hot water system is an important decision, which affects energy use for years to come and may impact the resale value of your home. It’s worth investing time researching available options to find a system that provides enough hot water, saves money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
A hot water system heats and stores water, usually in an insulated tank, for use when needed. The system can be powered by gas (LPG and natural), electricity or solar power. The energy it uses depends on the type of system and its utilisation pattern, including how often you run washing machines, dishwashers and showers and at what times of the day.
Storage systems are the most common. They can be either gas or electric, and are available in various sizes to suit household consumption patterns. Electric systems use a heating element to raise the temperature of the stored water. The efficiency of an electric hot water system varies depending on the age of the unit and how much hot water is used at one time (eg running the washing machine and shower at the same time).
Gas systems use a burner to heat the water. The efficiency of a gas system varies according to the fuel type, the size of the unit and how it is operated (eg using cold water to flush the system and avoid overheating).
The most energy efficient systems are a continuous flow or solar hot water system. The most advanced solar units have a heat pump, which is like an air conditioning unit for the water. They have high efficiencies and are extremely reliable, with no energy losses (unlike gas systems with heat exchangers).
In a continuous flow system hot water is drawn from the tank as it is being used and then fed back to the tank in a cycle. This keeps the water at a constant temperature and eliminates waste. It’s important that the tank is sized appropriately for the home to ensure there are no ‘dead legs’ where the water is neither heated nor used, as these can be breeding grounds for bacteria.
It’s also important to check that the thermostat on your water heater is set at the optimum temperature for your system and household. Different systems have different ideal temperatures, so it’s important to consult your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for guidance. Keeping the thermostat at the optimum temperature will reduce the amount of energy that is used and help to keep utility bills low. It’s also a good idea to have your system serviced by a qualified professional every few years. This will help reduce the risk of breakdowns and increase energy efficiency. This is particularly important if you have an older, less energy efficient system.
source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2024/04/19/energy-efficient-hot-water-systems-2/
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