Need to buy an LPG hot-water heating system and want the best system for your needs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article we\u00a0answer the big questions\u00a0on system types, water usage, energy efficiency, and how to have a conversation with a gas installer. In four minutes or less we\u2019ll have you ready to hit the retailers with confidence in search of the\u00a0best hot water system\u00a0for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are\u00a0two main water-heating methods\u00a0<\/strong>you can choose from that connect to LPG: natural gas and electricity. These are tank and instantaneous (or continuous flow) water heaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regulations aimed at reducing energy consumption and waste mean that a new electric storage system isn’t a viable option for new homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric storage systems use heating elements to heat a tank of water that varies in size from about 25L on the low end to more than 400L in large properties. As these systems are not 100% insulated, there’s always potential for heat loss, which can be quite expensive in an electric system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tank heaters are much larger than instantaneous, and instantaneous styles are gaining in popularity, mainly due to their compact size and energy efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your building and household, it could be better for you to install one type of gas hot water system over another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local water quality<\/strong> plays a part \u2013 storing water that’s considered poor quality or \u201chard\u201d can lead to tank corrosion of your storage tank and piping (to name but a few of the issues it can cause). <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, you could be better off going with an instantaneous system where the water passes through and heats as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot water system storage<\/strong> \u2013 tanks and instantaneous systems are typically stored outside for venting purposes, though they can be installed indoors if needed, so long as they can be flued into the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your average Australian household uses around 40\u201350 litres of hot water per person per day. A too-small system and someone misses out on a hot shower or the flow is slowed. A too-large system and you\u2019re paying for resources you don\u2019t use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Go through the following with your installer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The labelling of energy-star rating information isn\u2019t regulated yet by government in the same way that it is for fridges and other appliances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask the retailer or your installer to provide the detail and do your own research \u2013 aim for a 6- or 7-star rating on combustion efficiency. Generally, a higher rating indicates lower running costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Water-heating tanks are insulated, but nothing is perfect and there is always some heat loss over time, so it’s good to install them in an insulated spot or possibly in a sunny space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Water heating comprises around a quarter of your energy spend, so it really does pay to get the best bang for your dollar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When updating your system, you want something that helps to reduce your current water consumption as much as possible. Some hot water systems have been in place a long time and may no longer be what your household needs or in line with current recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the department-style electronic and household retailers right through to speciality stores and the manufacturers direct, you\u2019ve got loads of purchasing options. As with any big purchase, get three quotes once you\u2019ve decided on the gas hot water system that is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest brands is the Rinnai Infinity 26, however Vulcan, Rheem and Dux hot water system products are also popular. Customer reviews alongside advice from a trusted installer will heIp with decision making, so hit the product comparison and review sites to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be able to find hot water systems at Bunnings, Appliances Online, The Good Guys and through local specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your installer may be able to get a trade discount for you, but this approach may limit your choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pensioners in certain states and territories qualify for rebates on gas connections. If you haven\u2019t taken advantage of the gas rebate schemes for LPG and natural gas, this could really help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With LPG or natural gas, you have a range of appliance options to choose from. Type \u201ccompare gas hot water systems Australia\u201d into Google to get going on your search for a new hot water system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what else should you consider? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Installation costs can differ greatly based on the size of the job. If you substitute the current hot water tank with the one that is of the same capacity and in the same location, the installations costs range from about $275 to $700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, if you choose to move the whole hot water service to another location in the house or on the property, then the construction costs may be as high as $1100 to $2500 depending on the plumbing and electrical work needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Temperature controllers allow you to set the hot temperature of the water you like. Turn on the hot tap and enjoy, no more matching hot to cold!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply set the perfect water temperature, switch on the hot tap and enjoy \u2013 controllers help to save water and reduce temperature swings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gas storage tanks are very quick to recover from temperature variations – mainly because they can apply a heat source to the liquid mass. This mass maintains its temperature in a pretty stable manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a great LPG deal to go with your hot water system?<\/p>\n\n\n\nTank and instantaneous (continuous flow) water heaters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/td> Tank<\/strong><\/td> Instantaneous<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> System overview<\/strong><\/td> Hot water is released from the top of the tank when the hot tap is turned on; cold water enters the bottom of the tank to top it up.<\/td> Cold water passes through when the hot tap is turned on; only the water you need is heated<\/td><\/tr> Best place for it<\/strong><\/td> While they\u2019re insulated to retain heat, outside in the sun is best<\/td> Flush against an outside wall, though they\u2019re small enough to go inside<\/td><\/tr> Good to know<\/strong><\/td> Supplies hot water at a higher pressure than instantaneous systems<\/td> You may never run out of hot water<\/td><\/tr> Watchpoints<\/strong><\/td> May corrode over time, though regular maintenance and corrosion-attracting features (anode rods) can help keep corrosion at bay<\/td> Hot flow may not turn on with some of the low-flow shower heads, though the trigger point can be adjusted as a workaround<\/td><\/tr> Who loves it<\/strong><\/td> 5+ people households<\/td> 1-4 people households<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 2. Are there restrictions on what to install?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. What size and type of hot water system will you need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hot-water heater tips <\/strong>
Before you buy a gas hot-water system, engage an installer such as a plumber or hot-water installation specialist. They can help guide you on what\u2019s best for you by looking at your water usage, household size, and a few other factors.
(Be sure to read this article first so you\u2019re armed with key information and have the lingo down pat.)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSize guide for water heaters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> How to size<\/strong><\/td> Good to know<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Storage tanks<\/strong> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> Number of people<\/td> \u2022 1-2 person household could install a small storage tank (90L approximately)
\u2022 4-person household needs a tank of about 135\u2013170L
\u2022 5+ households could find a large tank more economical to install than multiple instantaneous systems (around the 200-300L range)<\/td><\/tr>Instantaneous<\/strong><\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> <\/td> Number of hot water outlets and peak usage<\/td> \u2022 2-bathroom household needs 22\u201324 L\/minute flow rate
\u2022 If 2 people shower at once, you need a minimum flow rate of 14L\/minute
\u2022 You can install more than one system and dedicate them to different parts of the house<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Is there a resource-efficient water heating system?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. What are some gentler choices for the back pocket and the planet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hot-water heater tips <\/strong>
While energy efficiency is measured by how the appliance heats up and combusts, it\u2019s the combustion factor that\u2019s key. This tells you how effectively the fuel can be transferred to heat.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Where can you buy the most reliable hot water heater?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. What’s the best brand of gas hot water system?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Which retailers sell gas heaters?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. What about savings with gas rebates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hot-water heater tips <\/strong>
Hot water heating systems range in price from $900 to $2,000+ and typically come with a decent warranty. A 10-year warranty is recommended.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n10. What else do you need to consider to buy the best gas hot water system for you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Installation costs<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Water temperature<\/h5>\n\n\n\n