Choosing the best hot water system for your home

Choosing the Best Hot Water System for Your Home.

Deciding on a water heating system is no small task. One way or another, your choice will have a huge impact on your long-term finances. An electric hot water system can make up a large one-third of your energy bill, yet many households could easily avoid it by using a different method. It's vital to take your time and learn the facts.

One of the most common mistakes when picking a new hot water system is to rush the decision. If your existing water heating isn't working, there can be a lot of pressure to get things underway as fast as possible. Do your research and carefully consider the long- and short-term pros and cons. A little extra effort now will pay for itself many times over.

The following guide will walk you through all available options to help you pick the most practical, affordable and energy-efficient water heating system for your needs.

Storage vs. Continuous Flow You have two methods of delivery to pick from, both rather self-explanatory in name and function.

Storage hot water systems will, of course, store hot water before use. It has the most potential to be practical for larger households with higher water use.

Continuous flow (a.k.a. instant or instantaneous) hot water systems will heat as needed. The major perk is that you will never run out of hot water. In many cases, it's considered the most economical choice for smaller households with lower water use.

Choosing a Power Supply: Gas, Electric or Solar Hot Water?

The following options are presented in a rough order of preference, starting with the ideal option. However, circumstances will vary wildly from home to home, so be sure to read on for other factors that may affect your decision.

Solar By far the best long-term cost-saver, but also the most expensive up-front. If you're able to meet the extra AU$1500 - $2000 cost in your initial investment, you'll find yourself making savings after 5-10 years.

In most cases, a solar hot water system will ensure the majority of your water use is free. On cloudy days, a booster (gas, solid fuel or electric) will kick in to cover you.

This is also the ideal choice for the environmentally conscious, as it is by far the lowest-impact system. Gas boosted solar will give you the biggest energy savings, and depend on your country; you may even be eligible for substantial government rebates.

The major issues besides expense are space and practicality. You may not have the room or clearance to install solar panels facing the right direction, so as always, prior research and consultation is a must.

Gas If you don't have the room, roof position, sunny environment or budget for the solar option system, this may be your best bet. It's ideal for bigger households with greater water demand.

Gas hot water will get its fuel from one of two sources. Chances are you'll already know which category applies to your household.

Natural gas. For those with gas piping straight into their home. The most common and practical method.

LPG. Buying individual tanks is comparatively expensive, so this is only an option for those without easy, reliable access to natural gas or electricity.

This can be ideal for properties in certain rural areas, as well as for people who simply don't plan on using much hot water.

Beyond the fuel itself, both options have the same energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Both can also boost a solar hot water system.

Electric These hot water systems are largely obsolete, with comparatively high expenses and the yearly greenhouse gas emissions of a family car! Here in Australia, legislation has effectively banned these less efficient systems, with a gradual phase-out now in effect.

Heat Pump Heat pump systems are a far more viable alternative to traditional electrical

systems. They draw in the natural heat of the surrounding air, making for a more efficient process. By its very nature, heat pump systems are most useful in tropical areas (at least where the above two methods are easily available). Note that this will still require some electricity.

Other Factors Unfortunately, it's not quite as simple as balancing budget and energy use.

Stay tuned for part two, in which we will discuss the importance of considering: -Energy rating -Size -Distance from taps -Budget -Space -Ease of installation -Amount of water used Your decision could substantially affect your future finances and lifestyle, so once more: it's vital to make sure you've chosen the most practical system for your needs. Consult an expert and do your research before moving forward - five years from now, you'll be very glad you did.

Opting For The Best Water Boilers.

The process of selecting the best water boilers can be complicated as there are a variety of boiler types to choose from. Opting for the best boiler is essential if you want to make a big saving on your utility bills. The list below works as a guide for various types of water boiler available to help you choose the one that suits your needs the most.

Types Of Water Boilers:A. The solar powered boiler requires a separate tank, some collectors set up on the roof, a connecting duct and a controller. The boiler uses solar energy from the sunlight to preheat water before running it. Solar water boilers are highly efficient during the warm season; you can get plenty of hot water during the summer without using expensive energy, which in turn reduces the electric bill. However, solar heaters can be inefficient during the wintertime, which is when you need the tankless boiler.

B. Also known as demand or instantaneous boilers, tankless boilers do not have storage tanks, as the name implies. A tankless heater is fuelled by gas or electricity. It reduces the time taken to heat the water, which is why it is considered a point-of-use boiler. Most households today have replaced the conventional water boilers with tankless boilers. However, they come with a higher price tag on the purchase but are energy efficient and cost-effective when functioning. These boilers are ideal for cold climates and winters.

C. Desuperheaters are innovative that use waste heat from air conditioners to heat up water. The desuperheater is an accessory that is attached to the air conditioner through which the heat is passed and used to heat water. Air conditioners are usually used during the summer and warm seasons; by using a desuperheater, you can save much money and energy when heating water.

Examine The First Hour Rating Before buying a water boiler, make sure to check the first-hour rating or the FHR. The FHR shows you how much hot water the boiler will be supplying when in use. The FHR label is more important than the size of the heater -large boilers do not necessarily have a superior FHR. In other words, they may not necessarily supply more hot water.

Determining The Best Water Boiler To choose the best water heater, determine the size and the needs of your family as well as your budget. These can be expensive, especially running them during the winter; yet they are a necessity without which it is impossible to live comfortably. You may choose to have two types of heaters separately for summer and winter. This way, you can significantly cut down the cost in summer by using the solar boiler or the desuperheaters.

Also, consider features such as warranty and safety.

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