Whether buying a new hot water system or replacing an old one, choosing the right heater can be a confusing process as there are so many options out there. Seeking the assistance of a plumber in Sydney can ease this task, help you to understand the complicated bits and get you more mileage for the money spent.
When shopping for a price quote, the plumber may ask the customer to
- Decide on the type of unit and
- Select the required storage size
In addition to this, customers should also consider installation costs when deciding on their new hot water system.
The Type of Unit
Modern hot water systems can be categorised based on their heating method as electric, gas, and solar. Each has their own pros and cons and these can be grouped on the following criteria:
- Costs – upfront and running/maintenance costs
- Energy rating – how energy efficient the unit is. This is measured by minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
- Installation requirements – where the unit should be placed
- Other factors – such as noise or rebates
Electric
This is the cheapest option as it is relatively inexpensive to buy and install. Unfortunately, in the long term, it is also the most expensive to run. This is especially true if hot water is needed for the entire day or if the customer has a very large household. Depending on the equipment, they can be installed either indoors or outdoors.
A good type of electric hot water system is the Heat Pump. Heat Pumps have a high upfront cost, but lower running costs compared to most electric water heating systems. A Heat Pump must be installed outdoors and can be noisy as it works on the same principle as an air condition system. For optimum performance, it is recommended that a Heat Pump water heating system be used in warmer climates.
Most electric water heating systems also have an energy star rating known as the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). This is regulated by the Australian government and can help customers to estimate how much will need to be spent in the long run.
Gas
Gas water heaters use a natural gas and are cheaper to maintain and run than electric systems. However, they have a higher upfront cost and must be installed outdoors.
Gas powered water heating systems are also rated using the MEPS system, which can help guide customers in estimating their running costs, prior to purchasing and installing one.
Solar
Solar hot water systems have the highest upfront costs, including installation costs. However, the investment can be recouped through the savings when the system is in operation. Another factor to consider is the location of installation. The unit also must be installed outdoors in an optimum position such as the roof of the building to maximise savings.
Some state governments offer customers rebates when purchasing solar-powered hot water systems. This can help to reduce some of the upfront costs associated. It might be a good idea to check with your Sydney plumber to see if they can assist to help obtain this rebate.
The Storage Size
Most hot water systems also require a storage tank to store the heated water. Factors such as household size, how much hot water is used on a day-to-day basis, and at what time of the day, play an important role in deciding the size.
For example, choosing a hot wash to do the laundry will add to the daily the consumption of hot water. For electric hot water systems, higher consumption of hot water during off-peak hours might be a way to save money on running costs.
Choosing a very large or very small storage size can significantly impact on both running costs and convenience. Hence, it is important to choose a size that will fit all needs.
Installation Costs
Delivery and installation costs also should also be considered when calculating the upfront cost for a new hot water system. The size of the unit, distance from the manufacturer to where it should be installed and how accessible the site is will all be factors in this.
In cases where an old hot water unit is being upgraded, costs associated with disposing the old unit will also need to be considered.
In Conclusion
When choosing a new hot water system or upgrading to a new system, it is important to consider:
- The equipment type
- Capacity
- Delivery and installation costs
Most plumbers in Sydney offer this service and help customers choose a product that meets their needs and budget. They are also fully licensed, which means they comply with state and local regulations. This is also an assurance that they comply with any health and safety requirements, that otherwise might put the customer at risk.
