Whether with a bang, a whimper or a flood, hot water systems tend to fail at an inconvenient time. Often when this happens, we don’t have the luxury of carefully reviewing our options and settling on one that meets our needs. However, investing time to review the range of products available can result in a system that’s more energy efficient and reduces our carbon footprint.
There are several types of hot water systems: electric, gas, solar or heat pump, and continuous flow (‘instantaneous’) or storage tank. The type of system that best suits your home depends on several factors, including your power and energy bills, space available, and available natural energy sources (such as sunlight or gas).
Electric systems are the most common and economical to operate. They store mains pressure water in a large strengthened hot water tank (cylinder), which is heated by immersion heaters or by a wall mounted heating boiler. The water is then distributed to your home via a pressurised pipe network. The pressure of the incoming cold mains water is released when a hot tap or shower is turned on, which activates an electrical heating element to instantly heat the water. Electric systems can be sized for different households, from one person up to ten people.
Gas systems are another popular option. They can be powered by natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or electricity, and are usually installed outdoors due to venting requirements. They are also an ideal choice for homes with solar access and adequate north facing roof space, as they are able to make use of free solar energy. Gas continuous flow systems (‘instantaneous’) are able to provide an instant supply of hot water, but they can still require a few seconds delay between turning on the hot tap and the appearance of the water in your shower or sink.
Solar and heat pump systems are a more sustainable alternative to gas or electric systems, and can be cheaper to run in areas with suitable climate conditions. They work by collecting and storing heat from the sun, so they are especially effective in locations with clear, sunny weather.
Distributor systems play a crucial role in energy efficiency, as they can significantly increase or decrease your overall system performance. When piping is poorly insulated or too long, the system has to work harder and consume more energy to maintain hot water temperatures. This can be avoided by installing the correct insulation and using shorter pipe lengths.
As hot water systems are typically a significant part of household energy consumption, choosing the most energy efficient model available will have a positive impact on both your power and gas bills. Additionally, a properly insulated and sized system will keep your hot water running smoothly for longer, without the need for annual descaling by a plumber.
source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2024/12/27/energy-efficient-hot-water-systems-3/
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