When buying a new hot water system on Sunshine Coast, you might encounter a lot of choices. Especially in the last couple of years, the market has seen the introduction of many innovative solutions that can make your life easier and more comfortable at the same time. The more options, the better the chances are that you will find something just right for you and your situation.
If you are a homeowner in the market for a new hot water system on Sunshine Coast, this article will be broken down into the five most common types of water heaters.
[spacer height=”20px”]1. Electric Hot Water System
An electric hot water system is like a hot water jug or kettle. It has an immersion element inside the cylinder (which looks like a metal loop or coil) and it heats the surrounding water. When the heating element is on, electric power runs through it, creating heat. Unlike a gas water heater, the heat does not go through a heat exchanger. Instead, it flows directly into the tank’s water supply.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Low upfront cost
- Ok for a household that uses a moderate amount of hot water
- Does not require a lot of space
Cons
- Slower warm up
- Uses more energy to operate
[spacer height=”20px”]2. Continuous Flow Gas Hot Water System
Continuous flow gas heaters operate using natural gas or propane depending on the type of heater. The water passes through a heat exchanger which is heated by a combustion flame. It then exits the heater and heads to the hot water fixtures.
Gas hot water systems consume a great deal of energy which could be costly depending on your gas rates and location. They can be of benefit to dwellings that have limited usage because they do not consume any energy when not in use and do not have any standing heat losses (unlike heat losses from a storage tank). They can also withstand a high demand of usage as long as your gas supply does not run out.
Pros
- Ability to supply a large amount of hot water.
- No running cost when not in use
- Instant heating
Cons
- High running cost
- Cannot use with solar PV
[spacer height=”20px”]3. Solar Hot Water System
Typically, the solar hot water system is powered by solar energy that is very accessible and renewable.
Most types of the solar hot water systems on Sunshine Coast uses pumps or thermodynamics to circulate water through a series of pipes that can be found in the solar panels.
Pros
- Heating water for free when the sun is out
- Low maintenance cost
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Highest upfront cost of all hot water systems
- Climate dependent
- Will only work when the sun is out
- Uses electric element as a booster
[spacer height=”20px”]4. Heat Pump Hot Water System
Most water heaters typically rely on gas or electricity to generate heat, but heat pump water heaters are very different. Instead, they work similarly to a refrigerator or air conditioner. Using a refrigeration system they take heat from the air and transfer it to the water using a heat exchanger wrapped around the cylinder. Through this process, 1kw of energy can be turned into 4kw. This means for every $1 you spend on the energy you can receive up to $4 of heating.
Pros
- Heat pumps are safe and environmentally friendly
- Much more efficient electric option
- Government rebates and incentives may be offered
- Booster options are available to assist on cold days or high demand times
- Can work in with solar PV systems to produce free hot water
Cons
- Usually installed outside, as need a well-ventilated area
- Higher upfront cost
- Does produce noise, similar to a split system air conditioner
[spacer height=”20px”]What is the best hot water system on Sunshine Coast for you?
Here at Sunpak Hot Water, we know everything about the hot water system on Sunshine Coast! So get in contact with us to talk about your options and find out which type of hot water system is best suited for your house or commercial premises.
Check our Facebook Page to find out more about the different hot water systems.
