Hot Water System: Your Buying Guide on How to Choose the Best for Your Needs
June 29, 2020Hot water systems are intended to provide hot water on demand without wasting any water supply. Most of these systems can readily warm-up and consequently store a certain volume of water before anyone uses them for bathing, washing hands, cleaning, and many more.
Given the principles behind hot water systems, it is almost impossible to find a home that does not have one. If you are thinking of buying one or replacing your old or faulty hot water system, then here are some guidelines that you can follow to best fit your needs.
Heating Method Options
To date, there are four popular heating methods for hot water systems.
- Electricity: Most homes use electric-powered hot water systems since they cost cheap and are easy to install. As for running the systems, some of them are much cheaper to run as long as they utilise off-peak electricity. One downside of this, though, is that not all homes have this type of electricity.
- Gas: Gas-powered hot water systems, on the other hand, are great if you have access to natural gas supply. One advantage of this heating method is that it is cheaper than electricity. Unlike electricity, a gas-powered hot water system can heat water as you please.
- Solar: Another heating method option for hot water systems is the use of solar collector panels. The availability of adequate solar energy in your area must be considered first if you want to go for this heating method. If it is possible, then you are guaranteed to obtain hot water supply at any given time.
- Heat Pump: The use of a heat pump as the heating method for the hot water system may be similar to the way other appliances work. Heat pumps extract heat from the air and use it to heat water in the tank. To make these hot water systems work, they must be installed in a well-ventilated outdoor area.
The Need for a Tank
Aside from the heating method, you must also assess if you need to have a storage tank or you want to heat water as needed.
Most tanks found on various hot water systems are made from either mild steel or stainless steel, which enables them to be insulated within a given period. These tanks usually have sacrificial anodes that attract minerals and other impurities to prevent their corrosion. While these tanks can readily store huge amounts of clean hot water for your needs, the likelihood of heat loss will still occur over time.
Alternatively, heating the water as needed is possible with continuous flow hot water systems. These systems will only heat the water that you need in real-time, so expect some savings when it comes to the costs of operating them. You must, however, take note of the problem revolving around the combination of low flow showerheads and too high trigger point for the system to start up.
Size of the Household
When you buy your hot water system, you must still consider certain factors around your household. Before you select a hot water system, you must assess first the number of people who are living in your home and the usual time or interval of activities that need and consume a significant amount of hot water. A family of two can usually live with continuous flow hot water system that is powered by either gas or electricity. Gas hot water systems are also great for families that have more than three members since they are the most economical compared to others.
Following this guide can help you choose the best hot water system for the convenience of your home. If you want advice from professionals, then give us a call now at Abundant Hot Water. We are familiar with all makes and models of hot water systems. Whatever system you had in mind, we’ve got what you need.
Optimized by NetwizardSEO.com.au