Best hot water system brands

Firstly when choosing a hot water system you’ll need to decide on the energy source. How do you know which hot water system type, electricity, gas, solar or heat pump & can you combine energy sources?

Electric Hot Water System
* An electrically heated storage tank system is usually relatively cheap to buy and install, but is usually the most expensive to run, especially if it’s on the continuous (full day) rate.
* Systems that run on off-peak electricity are much cheaper to run, but need a larger tank as the water heated overnight has to last you all day. And off-peak electricity isn’t available to all homes.

Gas Hot Water System
* Natural gas is a good option if you have the connection for it. It can be cheaper than electricity (unless you have solar panels) and because gas rates don’t vary through the day, gas hot water systems can heat water as needed.
* Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bottles are an alternative to natural gas – but expect to pay significantly more in running costs.

Solar hot water system
* Consists of solar collector panels and a storage tank. A four-person household typically needs about four square metres of solar collector area (two panels) and a 300–360L tank. You need a large tank to allow for days with less sunlight (or more hot showers than usual).
* The storage tank usually has an electric or gas booster element to keep the water hot on days with less sunshine.

Heat pump technology
* A much more efficient form of electric storage tank system that works on the same principle as a fridge or air conditioner, by extracting heat from the air and using it to heat the water tank.
* Heat pumps make particularly good sense when you have solar panels on your home – you’re powering the hot water system with your own “free” electricity.

Storage tank or instantaneous (‘continuous flow’)?

Hot water system prices

Speaking of costs, it is simply impossible to ignore the sticker price of a tankless water heater as it relates to your purchasing decision. Of course, when evaluating your choices, it is very important to consider all of the costs associated with a tankless water system, which includes parts, installation, transportation, and occasionally other hidden fees.

When speaking with potential plumbers about your new system, be sure to ask what metrics are included in the price of the unit. In some cases, certain companies will be able to offer free installation and/or ongoing maintenance services to save you money upfront, close a deal, and move forward.

Household size and hot water usage

Hot water system energy efficiency star ratings

Hot water system rebates and incentives

How often do you need to service your hot water system?