Guide on Choosing a Reliable Hot Water Systems

Finding the ideal hot water system (HWS) depends on a few factors. Besides working with a budget, there are other considerations that can point you to the right system. Bearing in mind that air conditioning and water heating account for a big chunk of your energy spending per annum, you should choose a system that works efficiently within your budget.

Since there are numerous hot water systems in the market at present, the following guide can help you find your ideal HWS:

Energy Star Rating

If you care about the environment, check the rating of the HWS on offer. The more the stars it has, the more energy efficient the heating system is – the highest rating is 6 stars. When you are buying a water heater, an efficient one will use less fuel for the same output.

Even though the rating convention is not regulated by the authorities it can still help with finding an energy efficient model. A higher energy star rating usually signifies savings in terms of fuel and a smaller carbon footprint. This is both good for the environment and your finances.

Stored vs. Continuous Supply

There are two kinds of hot water system you can use:

• An HWS with a storage tank: The system has a tank to store water as it gets heated.

• A continuous flow HWS: Heats the water as it is needed at a particular moment.

Each category has its merits and demerits. For example, continuous flow HWS’s use less energy because they do not lose energy as a result of storage. On the other hand, the 315 litre hot water system is a reliable source of uninterrupted water supply when there are frequent interruptions to the main supply.

The Heating method

The heating method at your disposal can help you pick the ideal HWS for your home. You can use one of the following modes of heating:

• Electric heating

• Gas heating

• Solar energy

• Heat pump

If you come from an area with reliable sunlight, it makes sense to install a solar energy HWS that will save money and conserve the environment. An electric system, on the other hand, is cheap to install, but you must justify the running costs.

A volume of Water To Be Heated

The more the number of people in a household, the higher the amount of energy spent to heat water for them. As you buy your hot water system, consider the number of water outlets in the house and their respective flow rates rather than the number of people living in your home; although it is customary for more people to consume more water.

In a large family, a solar hot water system appears to be the cheapest to run because the cost of running it is low. The volume of water can also help you determine whether you will acquire a continuous flow system or a storage-based system.

Before you buy a heating system, consider the factors outlined above to determine the type of system that will be most appropriate. If you are concerned about your carbon footprint, spending per year, or availability of fuel, factor these in before you make your decision. Since HWS’s are meant to last a couple of years, ensure that you get a good one that will serve you reliably for the entire duration.