Size does matter! Especially when talking about hot water systems. This equipment is the second biggest consumer of energy within Australian households. It is also one of the most used as it provides great comfort, especially during winter. Due to expenses that come with its use, it is best to have the right size and type in your house.
Picking the right water heater is crucial for your convenience and your family. Not only for the sake of paying the proper amount proportionate to your needs. Your water heater must be capable of meeting daily hot water demand. The number of users, hot water use and other factors must be put on the table when choosing the best system for the family.
Based on our plumbing experience and on frequently asked questions by our fellow Sydney siders, this article will focus on the essentials of hot water system installation and on which water heater type and size will work best for you.
Different Hot Water Sizes, Which Should I Choose?
Hot water heaters come in different sizes and types. All have the same goal – providing hot water when needed. Due to the large variety, it can be confusing for homeowners on where to start. By working with your local qualified and professional plumber, you will be given expert and experience-based advice to lighten the burden. We can help with factors that need consideration and which questions must be answered to determine which water heater size and type will fulfil the family’s needs.For starters, property owners must determine how much hot water they need. Knowing hot water demand at home helps determine the correct size. However, it is not the only factor to consider. Several other factors can impact hot water use.
What To Consider When Picking Water Heater Size
Only homeowners and their family will know their growing water requirements and then our plumbers will advise based on this utility. For those who are still unsure of how much hot water they need, here are some questions that could help:
- How many people are living in the house?
- How much hot water do they need?
- When do you use hot water?
- Is there a dishwasher installed?
- Does everyone in the household shower in the morning? Or in the evening?
- Does the washing machine use hot or cold water?
The number of users, how it will be used and how much hot water is needed determine the appropriate size and type for a residential property. After determining these factors, the next thing is to know the available sizes and kinds. Having answers to the aforementioned questions make the selection and purchase process smoother. It also steers the homeowner to the proper water heater system for his home.
The Different Hot Water System Types
Apart from sizes, there are also several types of water heaters used across the country. All come with their advantages and disadvantages. The following are the most popular hot water system types used in homes and commercial spaces:
- Electric hot water systems – This is the water heater type preferred by most households in the country. It is the cheapest to install and maintain. However, it is also the most expensive to run among other hot water system types. They are typically best suited for smaller families as well as apartment residents due to sizing
- They cost approx $400–$1900 (not including installation).
- Gas-fueled water heaters – For houses that are connected to natural gas, you can also opt for a gas hot water system. They are also energy efficient and provide a constant and almost never ending hot water supply. We typically recommend Gas hot water heaters for larger families who require constant hot water use and are typically running multiple showers, taps at the same time.
- They cost approx $800–$2500 (not including installation).
- Solar-powered heaters – Much like an electric hot water system, solar-powered water heaters only differ as they use solar panels or evacuated tubes and a storage tank. These hot water systems are on the expensive side in terms of purchase and installation. However, it could bring significant savings in the long run.
- They cost approx $4000–$9000 (not including installation).
- Heat pump hot water systems -These systems are highly efficient and use 30% of the energy compared to a conventional electric water heater and are great to use when you already have solar panels installed. The system works by using a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the air to heat the water. It is expensive to purchase this type of system but is cheaper to install and maintain. However, it is as noisy as the air conditioner and may not be ideal for places where the temperature drops below five degrees Celsius.
- They cost approx $2500–$4500 (not including installation).
- They cost approx $2500–$4500 (not including installation).
Which Hot Water System Size is Perfect for Us?
It truly depends on your requirements, budgets and family sizing, which is why it is best to contact a local plumber for their advice (as they will be the ones doing the installation). If you have a larger family with a property that is connected to the gas lines and predict regular hot water use, then a natural gas hot water system will suit your needs. However, if you have a smaller family or live in an apartment and cost is a huge factor, then a portable electric hot water system will suit your needs. If you are more interested in long term energy savings and environmental sustainability, then a solar power heater is a great candidate. However, they are the most expensive to install upfront.Additionally, a 40-gallon hot water system is enough for a family of 4. However, it could still be dependent on which hot water system type you choose. For electric water heaters, they should expect the system to produce 33 to 42 gallons of hot water for a continuous system. A gas-powered heater can give between 35 and 45 gallons of hot water to a family of 4.
Contact Sydney’s Most Preferred Emergency Plumbing Service Provider Today!
We have spent years helping homeowners pick the right hot water system for their property. Our team members have the needed experience and knowledge to guide them from planning to installation and maintenance. Our 24hr emergency plumbers have completed the Certificate III in Plumbing course and gained real-world experience under an apprenticeship program. Our hot water system installation service starts from determining the amount of hot water needed by the family, computing the right size and type to installing the water heater in the best spot. With our expertise, we can install a hot water system that meets their needs. Contact Optimised Plumbing Services now to have the best emergency plumber in Sydney help choose the best hot water system for your property today. Our team are also highly trained Sydney blocked drain specialists!
