Hot Water System Types
Instantaneous (continuous flow) hot water systems
Water is heated by a gas burner as it flows through a coiled pipe called a heat exchanger. The gas burner starts when a hot water tap is turned on. It only heats the amount of water that is required instead of continuously heating a full tank.
Instantaneous gas hot water systems, also known as continuous flow, don’t have storage tanks and heat water only when required. Water is heated by a gas burner as it flows through a coiled pipe called a heat exchanger.
What are the different types of instant hot water heaters?
There are three types of tankless water heaters:
- non-condensing
- condensing
- hybrid
Non-condensing tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to heat the water.
Best Instant Hot Water System
- Rinnai Infinity 26 – Continuous Flow Hot Water System.
- Stiebel Eltron DHE AU Instant Water Heater.
- Dux Always Hot Condensing Continuous Flow 21L.
- Rheem Metro 26L Gas Continuous Flow Water Heater.
- Thermann 6 Star Continuous Flow Hot Water System.
A hot water system is available as either an instantaneous or storage tank unit.
Instant systems (continuous-flow) heat water instantly and as it’s required. Thanks to their instantaneous nature, generally they are cheaper to run and more efficient than storage units, which can lose heat over time.
The most important aspect in choosing a continuous-flow system is the Flow Rate. The more water outlets you have in your home, the higher your flow rate should be.
Storage tank systems, on the other hand, store a certain amount of heated water that is used throughout the day. Their biggest advantage is making use of cheaper off-peak energy tariffs to fill your water tank. (Note that off-peak electricity isn’t available to every home)
Electric Hot Water Systems
- Electric systems are often cheaper to buy and install than gas systems, but are more expensive to run due to electricity prices.
- Electric systems can be installed indoors or outdoors.
- They’re available in a range of sizes depending on the size of your household
Hot Water Heat Pumps
- Hot Water System Repairs
- No hot water is coming out of the hot water tap
- My hot water pressure has dropped
- Hot water from the tap is luke warm
- My hot water heater is leaking
- There is brown or rusty water coming out of the hot water tap
If any of the above apply to you, your hot water system is most likely in need of repair or replacement.
Is it possible to repair my existing hot water system?
The answer to this question depends on the problem and the age of your hot water tank. In most cases, we can assist you over the phone and provide a general assessment as to whether or not your heater can be repaired. Give us a call on 0433519202 and we will attempt to resolve the issue straight away.
Common Questions
- I’ve got no hot water
- My hot water heater is leaking
- I’ve got brown rusty water
If this is happening to you, it’s time to give us a call. (0433 519 202)
The Sanden Eco® Plus Hot Water Heat Pump System
is a highly energy-efficient replacement for your traditional electric hot water system. It absorbs heat from the air and transfers it to heat water, in a way that saves energy, saves money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
The Sanden Eco® Plus Hot Water Heat Pump operates like a refrigerator in reverse. It contains a fan that forces air through an evaporator that contains a refrigerant. The heat in the air passes through the evaporator and is absorbed by a natural refrigerant, R744 (CO2), which is ozone friendly and does not contribute to global warming.
The warm gaseous refrigerant is circulated in the system via a compressor. As it passes through the compressor, its pressure rises, as does its temperature. This hot refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger to heat the water, which is finally pumped to the storage tank.
How do the different systems work and what are the pros and cons?
Electric water heaters
How it works
Electric storage hot water systems heat water with an element in the bottom of the unit and store it in an insulated tank ready for use. Continuous systems are similar, but instead the element is coiled around the pipes to quickly heat the water inside.Electric hot water systems have quite low up-front costs and are a reliable way to keep your water warm. Some electric hot water systems can also be pre-set to do the majority of its heating during off-peak periods to help minimise your energy bill.
ConsElectrical hot water systems are almost always the most expensive long-term solution. They also have high greenhouse gas emissions and are generally advised against.
Gas water heaters
How it works
Storage systems use a gas burner to continuously heat and maintain water in a tank. Continuous flow systems or tankless gas water heaters use a burner which ignites only when the water is needed.
Gas hot water systems produce less greenhouse gas emissions than electric systems. Additionally, depending on your location, gas systems are usually considered to have lower usage rates compared to electricity, making them the most cost-effective option long term.
ConsGas hot water systems are only really viable if you’re connected to mains gas, as using gas bottles is more expensive and you could end up running out of hot water. Gas hot water systems must also be located outside, or have an exhaust vent if they are located inside.
Solar water heaters
How it works
Solar hot water systems are storage units which generate heat from the sun using panels mounted on the roof of the property. This heat is used to warm and maintain the water in your tank.
Solar hot water systems are able to reduce your hot water systems energy consumption by up to 90%, significantly saving on your power bill. Solar hot water systems are also the most environmentally friendly option and energy efficient.
ConsSolar hot water systems have the highest up-front costs – anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 after rebates depending on the system size, and excluding installation costs. Some solar hot water systems can be unreliable on overcast days, though most models will kick-over to gas or electric back-up heating if the water isn’t hot enough.
Gas, electric, solar & heat pump hot water system installation Adelaide
You deserve to have a hot shower when you need it most, and this is something we generally need daily. Imagine never having to worry about your hot water system letting you down – no more cold showers in the winter, limiting your shower to only a few minutes or waiting forever for the tank to heat up.
Seeflame- Plumbing and Gas know that a hot water system is a necessary part of any home, it’s something we all use daily. Which is why we offer a top-quality installation service. Whether you are installing a new hot water system or perhaps want to upgrade from an electric storage hot water system to a more energy-efficient option such as gas instant, we are here to assist.
We can install a new hot water system – gas, electric, solar or heat pump – that will always keep you comfortable, and cater to your household needs and budget. We will also ensure your system is installed efficiently by a licenced plumber or gas fitter, and have you enjoying the benefits of reliable hot water as soon as practical. Book an Seeflame- Plumbing & Gas Services – hot water installation specialist today.
