What To Consider When Installing A Hot Water System

Unless you love a spine–chilling cold shower in the morning, you’ll need a hot water system. And it’s not only the shower that you need to think about. You’ll need hot water to do the laundry, the dishes and for preparing meals. But before choosing the first water heater you see on the market, there are a few things you need to consider.

Your Hot Water Needs

First, think about how many people will be using the hot water every day. This will depend on the size of your family, their individual level of usage and the number of plumbing fixtures you have in your home. If you’ve got a daughter that enjoys 40 minute showers or a toddler who loves to leave taps running, factor that in. Once you’ve assessed your hot water needs, then you can begin choosing what type of heater you’ll need. 

Types of Hot Water Systems

There are different types of water heater systems on the market, each with its pros and cons. These can be divided into groups according to their fuel source and whether they have a tank or are tankless. 

Tankless or Tank? 

Tankless heating systems are more energy–efficient and take up less space, but at the cost of providing a limited volume of water. Tankless systems are not an ideal option when you have many plumbing fixtures in your home. On the other hand, hot water systems with tanks are cheaper on the first installation and have greater hot water capacity. However, systems with tanks have a shorter life expectancy than tankless ones.

Fuel Source

Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas systems are common along the East coast where natural gas is piped to residences. The benefits of installing a gas hot water system include a faster heat recovery time, which is quicker than any other system. You can choose to install this system inside or outside your home but plumbing services in Newcastle like Jet Blaster Man recommend installing the tanks on the outside for safety purposes.

Electric Hot Water System

Electric systems are very common across Australia. Because they’re powered by electricity, the hot water recovery time will be slower than the gas hot water system. However, electric systems are far safer and often more economical, depending on the installation process. Contact trusted residential plumbing in Newcastle to ensure your electric hot water system is installed properly. 

Solar Hot Water Systems 

Some homeowners prefer to install solar hot water systems due to their environmental friendliness. Though much more expensive upfront, solar heating systems could potentially save you more money in the long–run. Just make sure you’re in a location that gets enough sun exposure. 

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

The heat pump hot water system is similar to the electric system, but uses less power. The only downsides of the heat pump system are that they have an even slower recovery time and make noise when in use, similar to that of an air conditioner. 

Other Considerations

Energy Consumption

Hot water systems come with varying degrees of energy consumption. Be sure to pick the most energy–efficient hot water system if you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving on utility costs.

Size

You’ll need to decide where to install your hot water system. Find out exactly how much space it will require so you can avoid an installation disaster. Putting a large tank inside your small home might not be the smartest choice, space–wise.

Price

Your budget might be the driving force behind your decision of which hot water system to buy. Your best course of action is to strike a balance between the quality and price. An expert plumber in Newcastle can help you choose a water heater suitable for your budget.

Get In Touch 

Contact Jet Blaster Man if you have more questions about the ideal hot water system for your home or would like the opinion of plumbing professionals. With over 40 years of experience in Newcastle & Lake Macquarie, you can never go wrong with their judgment and expertise.