Hot Water Systems
& Heat Pumps
Don’t suffer through another cold shower or freeze your hands washing them again.
Whether your water just isn’t as hot as you want it to be, or you’ve got no hot water at all, we have all the experience needed to diagnose and fix the problem and provide you with all the answers and solutions you need to restore hot water to your home or business.
Hot Water System vs Heat Pump
What’s the Difference?
So you have been hearing the terms Hot Water System and Heat Pumps just to mention a few. What is the difference you ask, I thought they were the same thing. In a way they are, they both provide you with hot water, however, they both do it slightly differently!
Hot Water System
A hot water system uses an element to generate heat, like gas, electricity, or the sun (solar)!
Heat Pump System
A heat pump creates hot water by using the environment around it.
Hot Water Systems
When is comes to hot water systems there are three main options to choose from:
Solar – utilizes the power of the sun!
Electric – uses electricity to heat the water
Gas – uses gas to heat the water (Natural/ plumbed gas is best and more affordable, however you can use LPG)
Heat Pumps
When is comes to Heat Pumps, there are 2 types of heat-pump hot water systems:
Integrated systems
In an integrated system, the heat pump is often mounted on top of the storage cylinder, including an evaporator, fan, compressor, and condenser. In some cases, the evaporator (which absorbs heat from the air) is separated from the storage cylinder or wrapped around it. As these systems come in a single unit, they’re generally heavier than split systems.
Split systems
In split systems, the evaporator, fan and compressor are located in a separate unit and connected to the storage cylinder by refrigerant piping – the heated refrigerant gas passes through a heat exchanger located inside the cylinder to heat the water. They’re quite similar to a split system air conditioner.
Keep scrolling for more information regarding the different types of hot water systems and heat pumps.
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All the Different Types of Systems
Below is a list of all the different types of systems available at the time of publishing.
Electric heat-pump water heaters
A heat-pump water heater uses heat from the surrounding air to heat water in a storage tank. An electric heat-pump hot water heater uses much less electricity than an electric storage water heater, and are the most efficient hot water systems on the market. These systems can provide additional economic and environmental benefits if your home has a Solar PV system that is generating more electricity than your household’s daytime demand, as a heat-pump hot water heater can increase self-consumption of onsite solar generation.
Solar hot water systems
A solar hot water system is more expensive to buy and install, but the running costs can be significantly lower. Solar hot water systems can be boosted with either gas or electricity. In Victoria, solar water systems can rely quite heavily on their boosting system, particularly in winter months. Solar water systems do not generate electricity and take up space on your roof which can limit the space available for Solar PV systems.
Gas hot water systems
High efficiency gas hot water systems have typically been considered the most economical type of water heater when operated on natural gas. Recent advancements in heat-pump technology mean that this is no longer the case. If you have a conventional gas or electric hot water system that needs replacing, you should consider a heat-pump water heater over a more efficient gas or solar hot water system.
Electric hot water systems
Electric storage hot water systems – the most common type in Victoria – heat water with an element in the bottom of the unit and store it in an insulated tank, ready for use throughout the day. Electric hot water systems are the cheapest to buy but the most expensive to run. If you have an existing electric hot water system, you should consider taking advantage of the government incentives available to upgrade to efficient heat-pump options.
Source: Sustainability Victoria
Pros of Each System
Electric Hot Water Pumps
Also referred to as Storage!
- Relatively cheap to run and install
- Can be easily upgraded or replacement if you already have an old storage electric or gas system in place
- Most systems can be switched to run during off-peak electricity times which will allow for lower running costs
- Flexible installation – indoor or outdoor options
- Larger units can easily supply hot water to multiple outlets at the same time – meaning you can run the hot tap in the kitchen without losing hot water to the shower.
- Larger models can also cater for large homes with up to 6 people from the one unit
Electric Hot Water System
Also referred to as Storage!
- Relatively cheap to run and install
- Can be easily upgraded or replacement if you already have an old storage electric or gas system in place
- Most systems can be switched to run during off-peak electricity times which will allow for lower running costs
- Flexible installation – indoor or outdoor options
- Larger units can easily supply hot water to multiple outlets at the same time – meaning you can run the hot tap in the kitchen without losing hot water to the shower.
- Larger models can also cater for large homes with up to 6 people from the one unit
Gas Hot Water System
There are two types of gas systems:
Instant – Gas Hot Water Systems
Often referred to as other names such as instantaneous, continuous flow, tankless, or on-demand.
- Cheap to run – installation can be expensive
- Energy efficient – very little power is wasted while heating the water
- Indoor or outdoor models available
- No power wasted keeping the water hot in the tank
- Compact size fits almost anywhere from a large house to a small apartment
- Both Natural Gas and LPG options available
Storage – Gas Hot Water Systems
- Cheap to install and affordable to run
- Energy efficient options available
- Faster heat recovery than electric storage
- Indoor and outdoor models for flexible installation
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric options
GAS HOT WATER SYSTEM
A gas storage hot water system will have some unique features when compared to a wall mounted gas instantaneous system, whiles solar and electric will also need their own specialised service.
Solar Hot Water System
- Solar hot water heaters harness free power from the sun providing a very low operating cost.
- Cheapest to Run – as it suggests solar hot water systems use the heat from the sun to heat your water, cutting down on your utilities as a result.
- Environmentally Friendly – given that it uses the power of the sun this helps you to reduce your footprint by reducing your omissions.
There are two types of solar systems:
- Solar Electric – Has an electronic backup system
- Solar Gas – Has a gas backup system
NO SUN! NO WORRY!
When the sun is not shining or hot enough, the instant booster system (either gas or electric - whatever you choose) will automatically heat the water to the desired temperature, so you will always have hot water no matter what.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hot water systems are expected to last anywhere between 10-15 years. Your location, usage and the type of hot water system will always determine exactly how long it will survive.
Some parts within the system will last longer than others, which is why a regular yearly service is often the best to pick up any faults.
A regular service will help you save money on high costs down the track, though, and can keep your water steaming hot!
Keep your services regular – once a year should do it.
One the day of the booked service, one of our highly skilled plumbers will visit the site of the system.
While on-site, will inspect parts such as the following:
- Tempering valve
- Pressure relief valve
- Sacrificial anode
- Thermostat
- Thermocouple
When one of our expert plumber’s services (checks out) your hot water system they can accurately identify any parts that need repairing or replacement. They may also recommend a full (new) system replacement if your system’s age and other factors mean it is beyond repair.
*Please note this is just a general guideline for what will be checked as all systems differ. Be rest assured, however, your system will get a full work over.
You should talk to us, the experts, we can visit the site where you require the hot water system, assess your/ the household/ the space’s needs, and provide you with system recommendations.
However, if you want to do your own research first, these are things to consider when choosing a water heater.
- Fuel Type – Electric, Gas or Solar
- System Size
- Running Costs
Got any more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
How an gas solar hot water system work’s?
How a electric gas solar hot water system work’s?
How a electric gas solar hot water system work’s?
Get it Sorted by the Professionals!
Every hot water system’s life comes to an end eventually. Installing a new hot water system isn’t easy. From energy inefficiency to leaking units, a lot can go wrong if it isn’t done right.
Whether yours is dead for good or you are just ready to upgrade to a more efficient unit, we can fix, replace or install a hot water system for you.
Repairs, Replacement or Upgrade?
Whether yours is dead for good or you are just ready to upgrade to a more efficient unit, we can help you fix, replace or install a hot water system for you.
Take a look at our range of Hot Water Systems and Heat Pumps.....
Contact us for information on how we can help you with what you need and any questions you might have about Hot Water Systems and Heat Pumps or any other heating solutions you may be considering. We have a heating solution for you.
Apricus All In One Heat Pump
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Reclaim Heat Pump
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