Australia is famously known for its arid and extremely hot climate which often causes severe drought and catastrophic wildfires. However, the Land Down Under does experience cold times too within its borders at specific months of the year. This is why you’ll need to install a hot water system to have warm water you can use in everyday living, especially during the winter season, if you happen to reside in Australia.
A hot water system is a mechanism that generates warm water you can use for a wide range of purposes. These may include doing the laundry, showering, washing the dishes, and others. That said, a hot water system is essential not only during cold weather but also in day-to-day living. Furthermore, many home experts agree that it’s a worthwhile home investment.
Are you interested in installing one for you and your Australian family? This ultimate guide might be of some help to you. In this post, all the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding hot water systems will be discussed so you can make wiser choices and better decisions.
How Does A Hot Water System Work?
When you use hot water, the regular tap water (cold) will pass through a valve with a hot water system. Then, it enters through the dip tube and into the heater tank. Once inside, the heating mechanism will start to function and heat the water based on the setting of your thermostat.
Under intense pressure, the hot water will rise and travel through your pipes, ready for usage. Then, a new batch of water will enter and get stored at the bottom of the tank to be heated. This mechanism is only for tank-based water heating systems. A tankless hot water system may have different operations.
Instead of heating water and storing it inside the tank for later use, a tankless water heater only produces hot water when you need it. When you turn on the hot water, the flow sensor will activate automatically and start heating. The cold water will pass through the heating component, and hot water will immediately flow through your sink and showers.
What Are Popular Brands Of Hot Water Heaters In Australia?
There are many brands of hot water systems in Australia. These are Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, and the like. And below are some of the most popular companies you may consider and a brief discussion to help you decide which one to purchase:
Rheem Hot Water Systems
Rheem has dominated the hot water system industry in Australia for quite a long time. The company offers a wide range of hot water solutions, catering to every need of their clients. If your Rheem hot water system is not working, contact their service hotline for professional services right away.
Dux Hot Water Systems
Dux is a mighty brand in the hot water industry, second to Rheem. It’s a great option for the excellent hot water system, offering a wide range of solutions similar to Rheem.
Rinnai Hot Water Systems
When you think of a hot water system, you’d probably think of Rinnai. This is because of the kind of service they instil in every mind of every Australian. Also, they’re great innovators of hot water systems, offering excellent services to each of their customers.
Do Hot Water Systems Need Servicing?
Yes, a hot water system needs servicing regularly to prolong its shelf-life up to eight to twelve years. Plus, you don’t have to call for professional services to complete the routine for you. All you need is a bucket and a screwdriver to complete servicing your hot water system. But before you start, make sure to turn off the power (for electric heaters) or gas supply (for gas heaters).
Here are the simple steps you’ll need to take when servicing your hot water systems:
- Do A Mini-Flush: Get your bucket and put it under the drain valve. Open the valve with its handle or a screwdriver and gently release the water. Warning: the water will be hot, so be very careful not to burn yourself. Then, close it properly. If it doesn’t open, contact a licensed plumber immediately.
- Cover It Up: It’s essential to ensure boiler remains properly covered to prevent dust and debris from entering. A securely fitted cover not only maintains the aesthetic appeal of your water heater but also protects its components from potential damage. Remember, a well-covered water heater is key to its longevity and efficiency. For additional peace of mind, consider exploring 24/7 boiler cover reviews to find comprehensive protection plans that suit your needs. Moreover, when considering installation options, it’s crucial to determine whether you need a system boiler to meet your specific heating requirements. System boilers efficiently deliver hot water to your radiators and taps at mains pressure, ensuring effective heating performance. Investing in the appropriate boiler type and ensuring adequate coverage safeguards your system, maintaining optimal functionality and protecting against potential hazards.
- Test The Temperature And Pressure Valve: Place a bucket under the small tube connected to the valve. Raise the lever to open it, releasing hot water. Let it flow for a few seconds, then release the lever gently to stop the water. If the valve doesn’t open, contact a plumber to replace the valve.
- Dial Down The Temperature: Turn off your heater and switch off your breaker. Next, remove the thermostat and adjust the temperature according to your needs. Lastly, return the panel and replace the cover.
What Size Hot Water System Do I Need?
The size of the hot water system you need will depend on your household, particularly how much water your family consumes. A small heater may easily run out of hot water, but a large one may be more expensive since it uses more energy, even if unused. This is why proper sizing is important. You may refer to the basic sizing options below.
- For a family of four and below, a tank with a capacity of 80 to 60 litres will be enough.
- For five to eight family members, a tank with a capacity of 250 to 450 litres will be good.
How Much Is A Hot Water System?
Hot water systems are relatively expensive, depending on the brand and added features and functions. Therefore, choosing the right size for your family is extremely important. Below are the prices for different types of hot water systems:
Electric Hot Water System Prices
This is a crowd favourite due to its instantaneous hot water production and energy efficiency. Additionally, it’s not bulky since it doesn’t use tanks to store water. Electric hot water systems typically cost around AUD$680 to AUD$1,600.
Gas Hot Water System Prices
This type of hot water system usually costs around AUD$750 to AUD$2,000. Price may vary depending on the number of outlets and taps it needs to serve.
Solar Hot Water System Prices
This is the most energy-efficient hot water system because it uses a renewable energy source to produce hot water. With this, you’ll be able to save a lot on your monthly energy charges. Usually, this costs around AUD$3,800 to AUD$6,500.
Heat Pump Hot Water System Prices
This is another energy-saving hot water system similar to the solar type. But instead of the sun’s energy, it uses air conditioning technology to heat the water. This typically costs around AUD$3,800 to AUD$4,500.
How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?
Generally, the average lifespan of your hot water system may depend on the type you use. With proper servicing, a gas-powered water heater may last for 15 to 20 years. Meanwhile, an electric water heater may only last for eight to 12 years, depending on whether it’s tankless.
Final Words
A hot water system is one of the most useful devices for everyday living. If you’re interested to know more before you purchase and install one in your home, the FAQ post above may help you make better and wiser buying decisions. Just don’t forget to consider your household size so you can get the most out of your purchase costs in addressing your home’s hot water concerns.
