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Hot Water Systems – pros & cons

What is the best hot water system for you?

It can be confusing trying to decide on what is the best hot water system for your needs. Each hot water system has their own advantages and disadvantages including installation costs, running costs and overall green credentials.

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When choosing a hot water system, most people will look at the upfront purchase and installation costs, but over time ongoing running costs will usually offset these. Other important factors that may influence your purchasing decision include the location of your home (sun/shade), type of property (house/unit), your water usage(low, medium, heavy) and your concern over carbon emissions. The table below provides an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the different hot water systems now available on the market and compare these systems:

The advantages and disadvantages of the different hot water systems:

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES RUNNING COST
Electric
  • Can be switched to off-peak tariffs
  • Cheapest and easiest to install
  • Provides full mains pressure
  • Storage Systems are heating when not in use, using power constantly
  • More expensive than gas
 POOR
Gas storage
  • Quite energy efficient, note each system will come with a star rating
  • Internal and external models available
  • Heats and stores water when not in use
  • Best on Natural Gas Supply
  • LPG tanks will need to be stored and difficult to refill
 GOOD
Gas instant
  • Can not run out of hot water
  • Heats only water when required
  • Quite energy efficient, note each system will come with a star rating
  • Internal and external models available
  • High Powered and can serve large households
  • Best on Natural Gas Supply
  • LPG tanks will need to be stored and difficult to refill
  • Need to be sized to the number of outlets that will be used simultaneously
 EXCELLENT
Solar gas
  • Energy free from the sun
  • Low running costs
  • Located on the roof
  • Generally come with a long warranty
  • Great if you have natural Gas or LPG
  • Government rebates may apply
  • Expensive upfront costs
  • Booster for low sun periods Gas is required
 BEST
Solar electric
  • Energy free from the sun
  • Low running costs
  • Located on the roof
  • Generally come with a long warranty
  • Government rebates may apply
  • Expensive upfront costs
  • Booster for low sun periods Electric power is required
 VERY GOOD
Heat Pumps
  • 65% less energy than electric systems
  • Highly efficient- lower running costs
  • Do not require sunlight to operate
  • No roof panels required. Can simply replace existing electric or gas hot water systems
  • Expensive to purchase up front
  • May require a booster if the outdoor temperate is low
  • Some models can be noisy
 VERY GOOD

 

As your local licenced plumber, Fallon Solutions’ staff are a valuable source of information when it comes to deciding on the best hot water system for you and your home.

What else do you need to consider to get the best hot water system?