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Differences Between Electric, Gas, Instant, Solar Hot Water Systems

There is no denying that a reliable hot water system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Hot water plays a vital role in our daily comfort, convenience, and hygiene, both at home and in the workplace. Whether it’s enjoying a relaxing hot shower on a cold winter night, washing dishes or laundry, or simply cleaning your hands, hot water is something we depend on daily. Every home and business rely on a specific energy source, which plays a key role in how water is heated. When exploring hot water system options, you’ll find that most leading brands offer models compatible with various energy types to suit different needs. If considerting a switch to a different energy source, such as installing solar or converting to gas, it’s important to weigh the potential pros and cons and consider how they might impact your household overtime. 

We’ve put together a general overview of the key differences between electric, gas, instant, and solar hot water systems to help guide your decision. If you’d like more detailed advice, consult a hot water plumbing professional. 

🔌Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric hot water systems, as the name implies, rely on electricity and heat water with an electric element in a storage tank. These hot water systems are a popular choice for small households and businesses or locations that do not have access to gas.

Advantages of Electric Hot Water Systems

  • Safe to use as no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Works in all weather conditions
  • Consistent hot water supply.
  • Widely available to purchase
  • Typically easy to install
  • Low maintenance and repair requirements

Disadvantages of Electric Hot Water Systems

  • More expensive to run if not using off-peak electricity
  • If you run out of hot water, reheating can be slow
  • Needs electricity to work, no electricity, no hot water
  • If not powered by renewables, not environmentally friendly
  • Can have limited efficiency for large households and commercial establishments

🔥 Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems have been a reliable household choice for decades, offering proven performance and efficiency. If your home has access to natural gas, this type of system can be especially cost-effective, convenient and reliable. They use a gas burner, either in a storage tank or a continuous flow, also known as an instant water heating system, to heat water quickly and effectively.

Advantages of Gas Hot Water Systems

  • If gas is readily available, they are cheaper to run than electric
  • Faster heating and recovery time
  • Low running costs
  • Low emissions compared to electric models
  • Highly energy efficient
  • Reliable and consistent hot water.

Disadvantages of Gas Hot Water Systems

  • May require regular servicing due to components such as the pilot light and burners.
  • Needs a gas connection for natural gas or LPG
  • Higher upfront and installation costs

⚡ Instant (Tankless or Continuous Flow ) Hot Water Systems

Instant hot water systems can be connected to gas or electricity. They have numerous benefits and are a smart space-saving choice for smaller homes, units or apartments. Even though these water heaters are smaller in size, and perfect for tight spaces it does not impact their reliability, performance or heating capacity.

Advantages of Instant Hot Water Systems

  • Instant water heaters have a longer life span than storage systems
  • Endless hot water, never running out.
  • Compact design, saves space and looks neat
  • Lower energy usage as no heat loss from stored water.

Disadvantages of Instant Hot Water Systems

  • Limited simultaneous usage depends on the flow rate and water demands
  • More expensive to install.
  • If the unit is located far from the tap, there may be a delay in hot water reaching it as the system kicks in

☀️ Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar is a fantastic water heating choice; they are eco eco-friendly, energy efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Solar hot water is ideal for homes that are in sunny regions, as the energy from the sun heats the water. However, having a backup power supply is often a wise move, especially on very cloudy or rainy days. They work with the solar collectors on your roof, absorbing sunlight to heat water in the storage tank.

Advantages of Solar Hot Water Systems

  • Super energy efficient and eco-friendly.
  • Can increase the value of your home when selling
  • Benefit from lower energy bills
  • Government rebates may apply.

Disadvantages of Solar Hot Water Systems

  • Weather dependent, as solar is less effective on cloudy or overcast days
  • High initial installation cost.
  • More complex and involved to install
  • Requires roof space for panels and specific orientation

If you are still unsure  which system will best suit your hot water needs reach out to our team today on 1300 264 950 

Resources: Gas vs electric hot water systems: Which are best? | CHOICE

A Guide to Hot Water Systems | Simples!