If you’re in the market for a new hot water system, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the endless options available. With so many makes and models to choose from, each with its own pros and cons, how can you figure out what size system you need for your home? What features are most applicable to your circumstances, and how much can you expect to pay for installation?
In the points below, we strive to answer these questions for you, so that you can equip your home with an ideally suited hot water system.
Factors to consider when selecting a hot water system size
What size hot water system you need depends on whether you’re a family of 4, a family of 5, or whether your household is simply 2 adults. It all comes down to water usage.
The standard family of four goes through approximately 300 litres of hot water every day. If you have a bigger family or if you like to entertain a lot, you might require a system that can provide more hot water. On the other hand, if it’s just you and your partner living there, then there’s no need to invest in a heavy-duty hot water system (keeping in mind that it’s worth planning ahead – do you intend to start a family in this house, for example?).
Try calculating the rough ballpark figure of how many litres of hot water your household uses on a daily basis, bearing in mind that 160 litres a day is typically enough to accommodate three 5-minute showers as well as ad-hoc usage in the kitchen and laundry.
Of all the hot water system sizes, which is best for your house?
Next, consider what type of hot water system you’ll be purchasing. The most common varieties include:
- Storage tank: This will store hot water until it’s needed, and then it’ll heat the water as required. Storage tanks come in a whole host of sizes.
- Tankless: These don’t actually store hot water; rather, they heat water as/when required. It’s a more energy-efficient system, which is why tankless units are growing in popularity.
- Solar: These are an environmentally friendly choice of course, however they typically cost more to install than other types of hot water systems (keeping in mind that the long-term savings will far outweigh the initial investment).
Hot water system installation costs
The cost of installation will ultimately hinge on what make, model and type of hot water system you settle on in the end. The most affordable options tend to be storage tanks, whereas solar varieties sit at the higher end of the scale. This is something you can speak with your local appliance installation experts about.
How to minimise your hot water usage
- Consider replacing your showerheads with low-flow alternatives, as this will instantly reduce your water bills
- Fix any leaks you’ve noticed around the house, regardless of how minor or insignificant they may seem
- Invest in pipe insulation
Contact Simoes Plumbing for no-fuss hot water system installation today
At Simoes Plumbing, we specialise in efficient, reliable and affordable hot water system services – this includes installation, repairs and maintenance. You can also depend on us for blocked drains, gas fitting, carbon monoxide testing and all your other residential and commercial plumbing needs.
