Hot Water Replacements

Electric

An electrically heated storage tank system is normally relatively cheap to buy and install, but usually has higher running costs.

Installation normally takes no more than two or three hours, if it’s a replacement for a similar system.

Systems that run on off-peak electricity are more cheaper to run, but need a larger tank because the water heated overnight needs to last you all day.

Not to mention, off-peak electricity isn’t available to all homes. Electric hot water heaters could be installed indoors or outdoors. Be aware that your electric hot water heater could cause for a major chunk of your electricity bills.

Gas

Natural gas is a good choice if you have the connection for it. It’s cheaper than electricity and because gas rates don’t vary through the day, gas hot water systems can heat water when needed.

Installation typically takes no more than two or three hours, if it’s a replacement for the same system.

You also have the option of an instantaneous system which is usually installed outdoors. This is due to venting requirements, but can be installed indoors with a flue.

Furthermore, they have an energy efficiency star rating. Some have a pilot light, which uses a minimal amount of gas. Electric ignition is more economical, but in a blackout you may lose your hot water supply.

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bottles are an alternative to natural gas but expect to pay significantly more in running costs.

Solar

Consists of solar collector panels and a storage tank. A four-person household normally needs about four square metres of solar collector area (two panels).

You need a large tank to allow for days with less sunlight (or more hot showers than usual). If your panels can’t be installed in an ideal location, they may be less efficient and you’ll need a bigger collection area.

The storage tank normally has an electric or gas booster element to keep the water hot on days with less sunshine. Comparatively pricey and time-consuming to install.

The installer will have to inspect your home to plan the installation, but the actual installation should usually be a day’s work or less. A well-chosen system will pay for itself in the long run due to its cheaper running costs.

Government rebates and other incentives can aid offset the purchase cost.

Heat pump

A much more efficient form of electric storage tank system that works on the same principle as a fridge or air conditioner. It does this by extracting heat from the air and utilizing it to heat the water tank.

Units are commonly integrated (tank and compressor together) but can also be split (separate tank and compressor). They need to be installed in a well-ventilated area – commonly outdoors.

The compressor on the unit can be noisy, like the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. This means you can’t put them too close to a neighbouring home.

They tend to work best in warm and temperate regions, but there are models designed to work well in cold climates too. In addition, most systems come with a booster element for days of cold weather or high water usage.

Government rebates and other incentives can aid offset the purchase cost.