Refurbishing your bathroom is incredibly exciting. From furnishings to finishes, there are so many options to choose from, but the most important thing is that you don’t ever want to be left in the cold.
That’s why it’s important to make the right choice when it comes to your hot water systems – for your preference and your pocket.
Here’s what you need to know:
Your hot water system is quite the unnoticed appliance which is actually extremely important.
There are few things worse than running out of hot water in the midst of that all-too-amazing shower.
So, when you’re looking at renovating or simply upgrading your hot water system you want to guarantee the right kind of system for your home.
From gas to electric to solar, here’s what you need to know about the different types of hot water systems.
Electric Hot Water Systems
Electric hot water systems are a very common option due to their convenience of use. Electric systems come in a variety of sizes and work a lot like a very big kettle. There is a heating element inside the tank which heats the water and then stores it, ready for you to use.
To make this option work cheaper, you can have an Off Peak Electricity Meter installed, which will heat your tank when the rate is cheaper throughout the day and night.
Benefits include:
A low upfront cost.
A size variability which means it can take up very little space.
It’s convenient and reliable.
Still, you may accumulate some additional costs when it comes to electricity, particularly in bigger homes. More so, if you happen to find yourself in the middle of a power outage, your electric hot water system might leave you in the cold.
There have also been many incredible advances with electric instant hot water systems which have far better energy efficiency as opposed to conventional storage heaters.
Gas Hot Water Systems
Gas hot water systems are far less common, as originally, they weren’t the easiest operated. However, with the many advancements in technology you can now find yourself a gas hot water system with an electric ignition and even a touch pad control.
Gas systems are able to heat water twice as fast as electric systems and are actually a great option for larger families.
Benefits include:
Lower running costs versus electric.
Rapid Heating.
Hot water even in a power outage.
Unfortunately, you will incur a slightly higher initial cost. Many people also have a concern when it comes to gas due to the potential explosion risk factor. Still, safety standards are ever increasing, and you can help ensure safety by having your system professionally installed.
Gas is also an ideal option for homes which already run on gas, for their stove or heating- for instance.
Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar hot water heaters offer an eco-friendly option to consumers. Plus, solar energy is free and readily available, particularly if you live in areas with overtly sunny conditions.
There is even a government rebate for using renewable energy. So, you can have hot water that’s environment (and wallet) conscious.
Benefits include:
A very low running cost.
High efficiency.
Post-installation is care-free.
You will need to make sure that you have adequate roof space for your solar panels, however. Plus, initial set up cost can be quite high. More so, should you live in area which experiences particularly overcast seasons, you may experience a supply shortage.
Still, if you’re already thinking of making use of solar power to subsidize your electricity costs, you may as well consider a solar hot water system. You can be another step closer to a sustainable, solar-powered home.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Heat pump hot water heaters works a lot like a refrigerator, just in reverse. These systems make use of small amounts of electricity to move heat from place to place and keep your water warm.
There are quite a few varieties of heat pump systems, which all work slightly different. Still, they are quite energy efficient against conventional electric hot water systems.
Benefits include:
A very long lifespan.
A low running cost.
It works very efficiently.
The issue around heat pump systems is that you will need to ensure it has proper ventilation and it can be considered quite loud to run.
Again, your initial cost may be high, especially as proper installation is important.
Tips to Ensure A Long-Life Span and Top Efficiency from you Hot Water System
It’s not only important to choose a hot water system that fits your needs and pocket, but you also want to ensure your investment pays off in the long run.
Most water heaters have quite a significant life-span, which changes with each unit and how well it has been cared for.
When maintained correctly, your gas and electric water systems can last anywhere between 8 to 15 years. When choosing a tankless hot water system, you can look anywhere between 15 to 20 years.
Here somethings you can do to ensure a nice long lifespan from your hot water system:
Keep an Eye on Cracks & Wearing
Especially if your tank is exposed to the elements, you may come across the occasional crack or two. Be sure to check that you are not experiencing any leakages as a result.
Make Sure You Turn Your System Off When You Go Away
If you are going away for a longer period of time and your home won’t require running hot water, turn your system off. This way you minimize any wear and tear. Plus, you’ll save on your gas or electricity bill.
Check on Your Relief Valve Every Now and Then
This valve is there to relieve any excess pressure and should be checked at least every 6 months. It’s fairly easy and should be described within your user manual. Alternatively, you can find easy-to-follow instructions online if you type your model into Google.
Be Mindful When You’re Busy Gardening
If your tank is situated outside, make sure to avoid it when gardening. While most tanks are quite durable, they don’t always respond too well to being bashed by a lawn mower or garden rake.
Seek Out Yearly Professional Service
While you might take the utmost care of your tank, there’s easily something that can be missed. We advise seeking out a professional hot water systems expert to assist in your tank maintenance.
There are so many options when it comes to hot water systems, so you’ll need to assess your needs versus the costs. Many of the more efficient systems will incur a slightly higher initial cost but are easily argued to pay off in the long run.
Each system presents its own benefits and your level of energy consumption is up to you. More so, models come in a variety of sizing, and will really depend on the size of home you are hoping to supply. You can even opt for a tankless water heater which is known to be exceptional at water consumption, which will again be kind to your pocket.
Make the right choice for you when it comes to a new hot water system, contact a specialist near you today.