Solar, gas or electric hot water system – which is best for your home?
Choosing the method you’ll use to heat water in your home is one of the most significant decisions you have to make, and it can have a real impact on your lifestyle and finances for years to come. With energy bills on the rise and confusion surrounding government rebates, it’s difficult to know what decision to make when it comes to choosing the right hot water system for your home.
We’re going to take a look at the three primary options for Australians for hot water systems and the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make the best decision for your home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar hot water?
Generating heat from solar power is about as simple as it gets; the sun’s rays are collected and used to heat the water in your water tank, and it will stay hot for a long time afterwards thanks to the excellent thermal efficiency technology available. It’s the perfect solution for a sun-drenched country like Australia.
Pros:
- Carbon neutral and uses completely free energy from the sun.
- It can decrease your household bills by up to 60-90%, depending on your household’s size and the positioning of your roof.
- You can offset your investment with government rebates.
- It will increase the value of your property.
- Reliable 24/7 hot water even in power outages.
- Protection against rising energy costs of the future.
- Once installed, they will last over 20 years.
Want to learn more about solar hot water?
Cons:
- Installation can take longer than other options, with the installer typically needing to inspect, and installation can take up to a day.
- If your panels can’t be installed in an ideal location or your house is not in full sunlight, you may need more panels for a larger collection area.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of gas hot water?
Another of Australia’s most popular water heating methods is natural gas, which works by heating the water coming into your house with a gas flame as it enters the system. Upfront, the most obvious factor in favour of gas systems is that you get limitless hot water available instantly, which makes it a good option for family homes.
Pros:
- Natural gas is relatively cheap to run because gas is one of the less expensive fossil fuels, though the upfront setup cost of a gas system is higher.
- It’s cheaper to run than electricity.
- Gas rates don’t vary during the day.
- Installation is quick, around 2-3 hours to install.
- Have an energy efficiency star rating.
Cons:
- It requires you to be on a gas main, not always a guarantee in rural Australia, or regularly re-fill a gas tank – which can be expensive and a nuisance.
- Usually installed outdoors due to venting requirements but can be installed indoors with a flue.
- Some have a pilot light, which uses a small amount of gas. Electric ignition is more economical, but in a blackout, you can lose your hot water supply.
NSW SOLAR REBATES 2021
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric hot water?
The easiest option for homeowners is an electric system because every house already has electricity, so you don’t need to install any expensive new kit. Each room has its own heat source, so there is no central system, and that also means you can control each room individually.
Pros:
- It’s reliable and easy to set up as the home is already on electricity.
- Installation is quick and typically only taking 2 – 3 hours to install.
- It can be installed indoors or outdoors.
Cons:
- It can be one of the most expensive types to run, especially if it runs on a (full day) rate.
- If you have a blackout, so it’s only as reliable as your power is.
- It’s not carbon neutral or environmentally friendly.
What's best for your home?
Every home is different, and every family is unique, so the best water heating solution for you depends on how you live day-to-day. David Lewis Plumbing can help consider your family needs and your families’ current bill situation and design the perfect heating system to keep your water hot all year round! Contact us on (02) 6621 8088 to take charge of your hot water!
