Choosing the right Hot Water System is an important investment for your home. If you’re building a new home or replacing an old system, spending time researching your options will ensure you get a cost effective, efficient and sustainable solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Often this is a decision that’s made at short notice when an existing system fails, so it’s worth making the effort to explore what’s available in the marketplace.
You can choose between electric storage tank or continuous flow (or instantaneous) systems, as well as gas or solar hot water systems. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing to consider is your household energy needs and budget, as well as local regulations that may impact your choice.
Electric storage systems heat and hold water in a large tank until it’s needed, so they can be less expensive to purchase upfront. However, they’re more likely to suffer from scale build-up and corrosion, which can limit their lifespan. Continuous flow systems are more prone to rusting and have lower operating costs than storage systems, but they can be less energy efficient in some homes.
Gas HWS operate using natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They’re cheaper to purchase and maintain than electric systems, but they can be more expensive to run during peak tariff periods. Purchasing a gas HWS with a built-in storage tank can help to minimise these costs. You can also save on energy bills by installing a solar system, which relies on sunlight to generate electricity.
Local regulations can influence your choice of hot water system, including placement, venting and fuel type requirements. A qualified professional installer will be able to guide you through these regulations, helping you to meet all the necessary safety and efficiency requirements.
The way you use your hot water system can also affect its performance and longevity. For example, running washing machines and dishwashers on a full load or economy cycle can cut your energy consumption. Insulating your hot water pipes can also help, as can reducing pipe lengths where possible.
How Does Your Distribution System Affect Efficiency?
The distribution system is where a lot of the hot water ‘wasted’ energy occurs. If the pipes are poorly insulated or too long, they’ll lose heat as they travel from the heater to the outlets. This means that your system has to work harder to provide the same volume of hot water, so it’s essential that you optimise your distribution system to improve energy efficiency.
source https://flowlinkplumbing.wordpress.com/2025/06/13/choosing-the-right-hot-water-systems-for-your-home/
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