There are few better feelings than a hot shower at the end of a long day. This is why it’s important to ensure the hot water system in your home is set up correctly and ensures a never ending, cost effective supply of the good stuff! There are 2 main style of system we install: Instantaneous Systems and Storage Tank Systems. Here, we break down each style.
Instantaneous, Continuous Flow
Instantaneous systems are neat, compact, energy efficient and are mounted to a wall within your home, saving precious floor space (especially here in the Inner West and Sydney’s inner suburbs!). Natural gas, bottled gas and electric systems are available, with natural gas being our most commonly installed and the best option for your energy bill! Instantaneous units only heat up water as required, meaning they don’t use any more energy than you need them to and the best bit – you’ll never run out of hot water! Even the biggest unit (70cm x 50cm) can be installed discretely against a wall or with good planning, can even be hidden inside a wall (if the correct flue set up is installed!). These are a great upgrade option for homes looking to replace an older or dead storage tank option – especially if you have natural gas! Ask us about making the swap!
Best For: Those looking for a compact, space-saving and energy efficient system.
Electric Storage Tank
Electric storage hot water systems are typical of older homes and units. They work by heating up a cylinder that is holding water. Normal storage tank sizes range between 50 litres (approx. 50cm tall and 40cm wide) and 400 litres (2 metres tall and 70cm wide) depending on the size of the home. Generally, these are simple to maintain and install but they cost the most to run. They are nearly always a cylinder and have an electrical cable entering at the bottom of the unit to power them up.
Best for: Homes without access to natural gas.
Gas Storage
Similar to electric storage, gas storage tanks are found in older homes, however one big difference is that the fumes of the gas need to be extracted (or “flued”) to the open air (or atmosphere). This is because when natural gas is burnt, carbon monoxide is created, which is dangerous to inhale. For this reason they are mostly found outside, unless they have a flue (large metal exhaust pipe) taking the fumes to the atmosphere (outside, above the house or away from windows and doors, etc.). They are powered by a big gas burner at the bottom of the cylinder, which heats up the cylinder and water inside it (think kettle on a gas cook top).
