Electric hot water systems
Electric hot water systems are the most common type of hot water system in Australia, with two different types available: storage and instant. Storage options are generally more readily used than instant options, but this is slowly changing due to the range of benefits that the latter offers.
Both options electric hot water systems work in different ways to heat up water, however, meaning they use different processes to achieve the same hot water end result. Keep reading to find out more, or chat with the friendly Seeflame Plumbing team today.
How to know when your water heater needs replacing or requires a service?
- Water is leaking out of the hot water system.
- The pilot light is not working or goes out often.
- You are running out of hot water often.
- The water pressure is low or changes continuously.
- The system is making rumbling or banging sounds.
- The water temperature keeps changing.
- The water is rusty or has sediment in it.
- No hot water is coming out of taps or water is cold.
How do I select a hot water system?
What are the different types of heating methods for hot water?
What kind of hot water systems are there?
Storage Systems
Continuous
How does an electric hot water system work?
An electric storage hot water system works by sending cold water into a storage tank, where one or two elements are located to heat the water. Once the water is at the correct temperature, it rises to the top and travels to the relevant hot tap when it is needed. Because the heating of the water occurs inside the tank, there isn’t a need for a flue (like a gas storage hot water system).
A thermostat is used to control and maintain the temperature to which the water is heated, which is above 60°C to avoid the growth of Legionella bacteria. If the water pressure gets too high, water will be pushed out through the pressure relief valve and flow through the overflow pipe.
