If you have an ageing hot water system in your bathroom that sputters and stops often, it may be time to replace it. If you don’t, you may run the risk of having it burst unexpectedly and flood the bathroom. However, before buying a new hot water system, you should ask a few questions.
In case you are not sure which hot water system suits you best, click here to find out more from the experts. Most people wait until the last moment, and when the old hot water system conks out, they go and buy the same model without giving it a second thought.
Instead, if you ask yourself some questions, you can avoid such problems and have hot water flowing through your taps around-the-clock. Which one should you go for – electric, gas, or heat pump?
Here are some questions you need to ask before buying a hot water system:
What are the Advantages of a Gas Hot Water System?
Points to note in a gas hot water system:
- Does it have the prescribed energy efficiency star rating?
- It is easy to get a direct replacement and installation for an alternate gas hot water system in a short time (a couple of hours)
- Getting natural gas connection is one of the best options as it costs less than conventional electricity. Moreover, gas prices don’t fluctuate too frequently.
- A typical household comprising 4 members needs a storage tank ranging from 140 to 180 litres. A continuous flow hot water system is another option to consider.
- Most units come with a built-in pilot light, which may consume a negligible quantity of gas. Although an electric ignition is an option to consider, it won’t work during electrical outages.
- Venting makes it necessary to have the gas system installed outdoors; however, you can install it indoors using a flue.
- An alternative fuel to natural gas is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is more expensive.
- Gas hot water system prices range from $960 to $1,330, with easy EMI options.
Should You Choose an Electric Hot Water System?
An electric hot water system can be installed by a Chattanooga water heater installation company (or a company wherever you are based) indoors or outdoors, making it more convenient than gas hot water systems. Go for a bigger tank if your area has off-peak electricity as this makes the system more economical to run.
A typical household comprising 4 members needs a storage tank ranging from 130 to 165 litres for a continuous system and 255 to 320 litres for off-peak use.
Instantaneous or continuous-flow water systems are an option as they also run on electricity.
Prices of electric hot water systems range from $350 to $1550; installation costs extra.
What are the Costs of Installing a Heat Pump?
The heat pump is more efficient when compared to a gas or electric hot water system as it draws heat from the air to heat the water in the tank. Heat pumps need a well-ventilated area; hence the best place to install them is outdoors.
A typical household comprising 4 members needs a storage tank ranging from 275 to 320 litres. You may avail of government rebates that reduce the purchase cost of heat pumps.
Summary
The type of hot water system you select will depend on many factors like price, power/gas supply, and convenience. However, regardless of which type you buy, ensure that the system adheres to the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).
This is a collaborative post.