Running out of hot water mid-shower? Your old system making weird noises at 3am? You’re probably wondering what hot water system types are out there and which one won’t leave you cursing in a cold shower. Let’s break down your options.
Storage Tank Systems – The Reliable Workhorses
These are the tanks you see in most Aussie homes. They heat water and store it in an insulated tank, ready to go when you need it. You can run them on electricity, natural gas, or solar power. The newer ones are pretty clever too. Some have Wi-Fi so you can control them and view usage info from your phone, and they can heat water during off-peak times to save you money.
- Perfect for: Big families who use heaps of hot water, and homes with natural gas connections
- The catch: They’re bulky and can waste energy keeping water hot when you’re not using it
Continuous Flow Systems – Hot Water On Demand
Also called tankless systems, or instantaneous ones, these heat water instantly when you turn on the tap. No tank, no waiting, no running out of hot water during long showers. Both gas hot water system types (natural gas and LPG) and electric hot water system types are available if you’re interested in continuous flow models. Gas versions are usually more powerful and can handle multiple taps running at once.
- Perfect for: Smaller homes, anyone who hates running out of hot water, tight spaces, those who don’t want water heating when it’s not being used
- The catch: Can struggle if everyone’s showering or using multiple taps at once, and there might be a slight delay getting hot water to distant taps
Heat Pump Systems – The Energy Savers
Think of these as reverse air conditioners for your water. They pull heat from the air outside and use it to warm your water. They run on electricity but use much less power than traditional electric systems. Government rebates often make these more affordable upfront, and they can be brilliant in our often-hot Aussie climate. They can also be retrofitted to existing electric storage tanks in many cases.
- Perfect for: Anyone wanting to slash their electricity bills, homes with outdoor space, and environmentally conscious households
- The catch: They don’t love really cold weather, which we get plenty of down here in the Geelong area, and you also need space outside for the unit to be installed
Solar Hot Water Systems – Free Energy from the Sun
These use the sun’s energy, via solar panels, to heat your water during the day. Most come with an electric or gas backup for gloomy days, so you won’t get caught out without enough solar energy to heat your water. With decent government incentives available, they often pay for themselves within a few years through lower power bills.
- Perfect for: Homes with good roof space facing north, anyone wanting to stick it to the power companies and use a renewable energy source instead
- The catch: Higher upfront costs, and they need adequate roof space for the collectors
Which Of the Hot Water System Types Should You Choose?
There’s no “best” hot water system. It really just depends on your situation:
- Big family with high usage? Storage tank systems handle heavy demand well
- Small household or tight on space? Continuous flow systems make sense
- Want to cut your power bills? Heat pump or solar systems are your friends
- Got natural gas connected? Gas systems are usually cheaper to run than electric
Need Help Choosing Your Next Hot Water System?
Sick of cold showers and sky-high power bills? Our professional plumbing team has been sorting out hot water dramas across Geelong and surrounding areas since 2007. We’ll assess your home and recommend the best system for your needs and budget – no sales pitch, just honest advice. Get in touch today for a quote on your new hot water system installation.
