What Type Of Hot Water System Should I Purchase?

We all love hot water, but how do you know which hot water system is right for you? Choosing an inefficient or ineffective system can raise your bills and leave you unsatisfied. With so many options available on the market, it's not always easy to know which system is right for you and your needs. We've put together this handy guide to the most popular systems, so that you have all the information you need to make the perfect choice. 

Electric hot water systems operate on electricity, and you can choose to run them either throughout the day or off-peak. As they're the cheapest to buy and install, and consistently keep water at an ideal temperature, the benefits really do add up. They also tend to last longer than gas, and won't compromise the safety of your home if they fail.
 
The main drawback, however, is that Australian energy costs keep rising and electrical hot water systems can prove costly to run. You'll also need to consider the size of your water heater. Instant water heaters have become much more popular, as they operate without a tank and rely on high amounts of electricity to heat water on demand - though these may not be a great choice if you have significant hot water needs.

Natural gas hot water systems carry great benefits. They're much cheaper to run than electrical systems, especially as gas rates tend to be much more stable and stay fairly steady for an extended period. Gas hot water systems deliver instant hot water continuously, which isn't something other systems can match. Gas systems are also well-regarded for their energy efficiency, durability, affordable pricing and value for money.
 
As natural gas isn't renewable, it does release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which has negative environmental consequences. Furthermore, if you don't already have the necessary connections to install a gas hot water heater, the work can prove expensive.

A solar hot water heater, complete with solar panels and a storage tank, is another great option to consider. While they are costly to install, you won't pay much to keep them running - in fact, most solar power systems can even pay for themselves within five to ten years. What's more, if you choose to sell your generated solar energy back to the grid, you can further reduce your investment. Solar hot water is by far the most environmentally friendly choice and is perfect if you want to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
 
Positioning your panels is key, and it's important to choose a place that receives full sunlight for extended periods, which isn't always easy. You may end up needing to reinforce your roof if you're choosing to install a thermosiphon system, which requires the tank to be installed on the roof itself.