Question 1

HOW MUCH FOR AN ELECTRIC HOT WATER SYSTEM?

Accepted Answer

Electric hot water systems may seem to be the most inexpensive option because they are relatively cheap to purchase as well as install. However, over time these systems will actually cost you more in energy costs, especially if you are using a continuous or full day rate. If your system runs on off-peak electricity it can be much kinder to your energy costs, but will also make it necessary to have a larger tank so that the water heated overnight will last throughout the day. Please investigate your particular energy situation as off-peak electricity is not available for every home. For an average four-person home, you will generally need a 125-160 litre tank if you have a continuous system, or a 250-315 litre tank if you are using off-peak electricity. Electrical hot water units can be installed either inside or outside of the home. Instantaneous electric water heaters are available as well. And finally an electric hot water storage tank will typically cost between $500-$1500 to buy plus installation.

Question 2

HOW MUCH FOR A GAS HOT WATER SYSTEM?

Accepted Answer

Natural gas can be a great option if your home has access to it. Generally the rate is much cheaper than electricity (but unfortunately gas prices are rising). Another advantage is that gas rates do not fluctuate throughout the day, and can simply heat water as needed. For a four-person home you should have a tank of around 135-170 litres. Instantaneous systems are also available for natural gas. These systems tend to be installed outdoors on account of the venting requirements, though it is possible to install them inside if you have a flue. These systems have an excellent energy efficiency rating. Some of them use a pilot light which uses a very small amount of gas, and others use electric ignition which is more economical. The advantage of the pilot light however is that you can keep your hot water during power outages. One alternative to natural gas is LPG or liquid petroleum gas, but the running costs will be significantly higher. Not including installation, a natural gas system will cost around $900-$2000. HOW MUCH FOR A SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM? These systems have solar collector panels and a storage tank. For a 4 person home, you will generally need two solar panels, or four square metres, along with a 300-360 litres tank. The larger tank is needed to make up for days of minimal sunlight. Also note that four square metres of panel is recommended for an ideal collection position. If your home doesn’t allow for your panels to be set up in an ideal place where they get a lot of direct sunlight, you may need to invest in more panels. Some solar hot water systems also have an electric or gas booster element in the storage tank as a backup, to keep you going through periods without much sunshine. Unlike electric hot water systems, solar hot water systems are typically the most expensive to buy as well as install. But also unlike electrical hot water heaters, a well-functioning solar hot water heater will be very inexpensive in the long run as the running costs can be extremely low. You may also be able to take advantage of government rebates or other incentives to help out with the purchase cost. Solar systems, not including installation, will generally cost around $2000-$7000.

Question 3

HOW MUCH FOR A HEAT PUMP HOT WATER SYSTEM?

Accepted Answer

This is an efficient kind of hot water storage in that it works according to roughly the same principle as a fridge or air conditioner: it heats the water in your tank by extracting heat from the air. Normally these systems have the tank and compressor integrated together, but a split system with the tank and compressor separated are also available. These water heater systems need to be installed in a well-ventilated place, so outdoor installation is ideal. Be aware that like air conditioners, the outdoor units of these systems can be quite noisy, so it is better not to install them too close to a neighbouring home. These systems are ideal for warmer climates, though they can be made to work in a colder climate by including a booster element to keep your water warm on colder days. For a four-person home, you will generally need a tank of 270-315 litres. You can also find government rebates or incentives to help offset the relatively high cost of purchasing and installing one of these systems. The price for these systems will range from $2500 to $4000 (minus the installation).

Question 4

WHAT SIZE HOT WATER TANK FOR AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking a household will use about 50 litres of hot water per day. If you wash clothes in hot or warm water, take long showers, or use a dishwasher then the average amount per person could be considerably higher. It is recommended to get your supplier to analyse your household and its water needs and then recommend some appropriate options for you. Your supplier should be asking you questions about how much water you use as well as when you use it. Does everyone in the house shower in the morning or in the evening? Do you wash your clothes in hot or warm water? It is best when possible to get quotes from more than one supplier. For most homes, solar heating systems are generally the most efficient and cheapest to run, but this option can be impractical for some homes for a variety of reasons, and your supplier will be able to recommend a number of different efficient and cost-effective options if solar heating isn’t ideal for your particular situation.

Hot Water System Prices

Hot Water System Prices -
Electric, Gas, Solar, Heat Pump

The two main types of Electric Hot Water Systems:

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Hot Water System Prices

Hot Water System Prices - Electric, Gas, Solar, Heat Pump

The two main types of Electric Hot Water Systems:

Book Online & Save $25

Hot Water System Prices -
Electric, Gas, Solar, Heat Pump