Most homes today have hot water systems installed. Unnoticed, for the most part, is that these systems play an integral role in our daily routines and activities. These modern miracles allow us to have hot showers and obliterate bacteria from dirty dishes.
However, the type of hot water system you choose is an essential consideration, as it will affect your water heating costs, energy efficiency, and fuel source availability in the Cronulla area. Each option has advantages and disadvantages that may sway your decision.
To help you choose the best system for your hot water needs, our specialists have compiled the most popular choices in Cronulla.
Electric
Electric hot water systems are at the top of this list, as they have steadily remained the most common system in most Cronulla homes. They have a heating element located inside a tank of water, which is gradually warmed until the desired temperature is reached. The electrical thermostat then maintains this temperature through several means, depending on the brand and size. The design is more or less a larger version of an electric kettle, with a much lower heating temperature. Electric systems offer cost-effective installations and relatively quick heating. However, if a power outage occurs, you will be without hot water.
Gas
These hot water systems are fueled by natural or liquid petroleum gas. While not nearly as common as an electric tank, these new high-tech designs allow for a safe and reliable experience. These tend to have a far higher capacity than most alternatives due to the way the water is warmed. As it is quickly cycled through the gas system and out, it does not have the same warmup time and set capacity of the electric counterparts. Gas systems heat water twice as fast as electrical systems. However, the availability of gas in Cronulla should be taken into account, as well as the fact that it may not align with the environmentally-conscious homeowner.
Solar
Solar hot water systems are highly sought after today as an eco-friendly alternative. Although not the most common yet, these systems are rapidly rising in popularity as feed-in-tariffs and government rebates make their installations incredibly affordable. The heating process is similar to standard systems. However, they generate clean, renewable energy from the sun’s rays to heat your water. Whether a rooftop tubing or panel layout, this energy is freely available, drastically reducing your energy bills. These systems are incredibly effective, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and with the option to sell excess electricity back to the grid, affordable too. However, their efficiency drops on especially cloudy days.
Heat Pump
Rather than generating heat directly, a heat pump transfers heat from one place to another. While there are different types to choose from, the most commonly used involves an evaporator that absorbs any heat energy from the surrounding air and vaporises the refrigerant. The resulting vapour is then compressed to raise both the pressure and temperature. Coldwater pipes then pump through the element and transfer the warmed liquid back into the storage cylinder. Although these are more efficient and eco-friendly than electrical systems, they’re also more expensive and challenging to install.
Now that you know which hot water systems in Cronulla are the most popular choice, you can make an informed decision around which is best for your needs. If you’d like professional guidance, come to the hot water specialists at Priority Plus Plumbing!
There are a plethora of factors that affect which design, size, type, and brand of hot water system offers the best results in terms of cost and efficiency. Contact us today to discuss your hot water needs and how we can help you fulfil them.
