Hot Water System Types

Struggling to Choose the Right Hot Water System?

When it comes to installing a new hot water system, whether it's for a new build or you have outgrown your current system and need to upgrade, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.

Knowing which one to choose can leave you feeling confused, from electric and gas to solar and heat pump systems, each type has its own pros and cons. Installing a hot water system is typically looked at as a long-term investment, so you need to make a well-informed decision. Choosing the wrong one can lead to poor efficiency, not meeting your hot water demands, constant breakdowns and higher energy bills,

At Bayside Plumbing, we take the stress out of choosing by assessing your hot water needs, personal preferences and budget. Our licensed plumbers and hot water specialists will guide you through the different types so you can make a confident decision.

Hot Water Systems Explained!

There are two basic types of hot water systems: storage systems require a tank to store water to be heated, and continuous flow, also known as instantaneous systems, do not require a tank.  Both use one or more energy sources to heat water, including LPG or natural gas, electricity, and solar power. Each system has its pros and cons depending on your household size, budget, energy source, and efficiency goals. As we rely heavily on a reliable supply of hot water, it's essential to understand how each type works before making a purchase.

💧Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric hot water systems are the most commonly used and are suitable for residential and commercial use. Available in a wide variety of sizes, capacities, and priced to suit most budgets. Electric storage heats water in a tank, storing it for use. Instantaneous or continuous flow heats water only when needed, and is ideal when you have limited space, as there is no bulky storage tank.

Pros:

• Ideal for smaller households
• Energy saving for off-peak users
• Affordable upfront cost.
• Easy installation.
• Widely available
• Reliable hot water supply

Cons:

• It can be more expensive to run, especially with peak electricity rates.
• Your hot water can be interrupted due to power outages.

💧Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems are a popular choice for many households, due to their ability to provide instant access to hot water, which is ideal for busy families or homes with high demand. The running costs for gas are typically lower than those of electric systems, as natural gas and LPG are often more affordable than electricity. Gas systems also continue to operate during power outages, ensuring an uninterrupted hot water supply all year round.

Modern gas systems are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electricity. If you want speed, reliability, and efficiency for consistent, on-demand hot water, you can't go past gas. Gas storage uses a burner to heat water that is stored in a tank. Instantaneous, heats water on demand, only when taps are turned on.

Pros:

• Reliable and cost-effective for larger families.
• Continuous flow options for endless hot water.
• Lower running costs compared to electric.
• Cheaper running costs than electric systems.
• Quick heating when you need it most.
• Works during power outages.

Cons:

• Requires a gas connection; higher upfront costs than basic electric systems.
• If using LPG, which is supplied via a gas cylinder, it’s important to monitor levels and schedule refills as needed

💧Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar is becoming increasingly popular, offering an efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your water by utilising the sun’s energy. Modern systems often include a booster that will work off electricity or gas as a backup on cloudy days. Solar hot water systems are durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal ongoing maintenance, saving you money over time. For the environmentally conscious, solar hot water systems support a greener lifestyle and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy. They work by using solar panels, known as collectors, on the roof to heat water, which is then stored in a tank.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
• Use the sun’s energy to cut your power bills.
• It can be boosted with electricity or gas for cloudy days.
• Energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
• Adds value to your property
• Substantial long-term savings.

Cons:

• High upfront costs,
• Weather-dependent, as it relies on sunlight.
• Needs roof space for solar collectors that has good sun exposure

💧Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Heat pump hot water systems offer an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat water by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to your water supply. Heat pumps are versatile, providing a reliable supply of hot water year-round, even in cooler climates, and they are generally long-lasting with low maintenance requirements. Newer models offer quiet operation and high efficiency ratings, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to combine sustainability, performance, and savings..

Pros:

• Works by extracting heat from the air, saving on electricity usage
• Great for reducing long-term energy costs.
• Energy-efficient and the lowest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions 

Cons:

• Higher purchase cost
• Needs an outdoor space for installation with adequate airflow.
• Heats water more slowly than gas systems
• Tends to be noisy during operation

Make the Right Choice to Avoid Costly Mistakes!

Picking the wrong hot water system isn’t just inconvenient; it can affect your entire household. Without the right advice, it’s easy to waste money on a system that doesn’t fit your family’s needs or lifestyle. Did you know that heating water is a major source of household energy use in Australia, with the bathroom taking first place, followed by the laundry and kitchen? By installing an energy-efficient water heater, you can save on water usage and money on your energy bills while reducing greenhouse emissions and your carbon footprint. With the right choice, you will avoid:

✔️Skyrocketing energy bills are due to an inefficient system.
✔ ️Running out of hot water at the worst times.
✔️Costly repairs and replacements if the system isn’t suited to your home.
✔️Environmental impact, as some systems are more eco-friendly than others.

How to Minimise Hot Water Use!

Following the installation of your new hot water system, adopting water-saving habits will help improve efficiency and avoid running out of hot water. These steps are simple and are key to water conservation, ensuring you maintain a consistent flow of hot water no matter how high the demand.

• Installing water-efficient showerheads and taps
• Using the eco setting on your washing machine and dishwasher
• Using mixer taps
• Taking shorter showers
• Choosing water-efficient appliances

Hot Water System Installation

The team at Bayside Plumbing provides fast, reliable hot water system installation services. For homes and businesses. We understand that a poorly installed system can increase energy costs and lead to premature wear and tear, potentially resulting in expensive breakdowns. That’s why we are committed to excellence with every installation, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency, delivers optimal performance, and enjoys a long, trouble-free lifespan. When you need reliable installation services, we are the team to call.

Hot Water System Brands we Work with!

We supply and service a wide range of hot water systems, including electric, solar, gas, and heat pumps. Whether you need an instantaneous zip unit for your business or a storage tank at home, we work with all major brands to keep your hot water running reliably. We deliver exceptional installation, repairs and maintenance services to ensure your system works efficiently with lasting results. 

• Rheem Hot Water Systems
• Rinnai Hot Water Systems
• Thermann Hot Water Systems
• Dux Hot Water Systems
• Stiebel Eltron Hot Water Systems
• Vulcan Hot Water Systems
• Chromagen Hot Water Systems
• Zip Hot Water Systems
• Bosch Hot Water Systems

Why Choose Us for Your Hot Water Needs?

At Bayside Plumbing, we work with high-quality products at affordable prices and are dedicated to delivering outstanding services for homes and businesses. With over 40 years of experience in plumbing and gas, we’ve built a reputation we’re proud to stand behind. When you need the very best in hot water services, we are your one-stop for supply, installation, repairs, and maintenance, always aiming to exceed expectations on every job.

• Licensed, insured team of dedicated plumbers.
• Highly skilled and equipped for all plumbing and gas-related projects.
• 5-Star satisfied customer reviews.
• We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing when you need it most.
• Honest, competitive and transparent pricing.
• We prioritise your safety and comfort.
• Tailored solutions to meet your household needs and budget.
• Fast and effective hot water installations for all systems.

Local Hot Water System Specialists

Bayside Plumbing is your hot water system specialist, providing installations, repairs, and maintenance for both homes and businesses across Sydney. For expert advice and professional service, call our team on 1300 417 563 or complete our online booking form today.