Whether you are a home owner or small business owner, choosing hot water cylinders is important. Given that heating H2O makes up the majority of household’s energy usage, it is important to select a model that will give you the best value for money.

This article outlines what you need to know when choosing the right hot water cylinders for your needs. It will be useful if your current system is no longer working, or if it is your first time buying one.

Tips for saving money

Today we have access to advanced hot water cylinders technology which provide better energy and cost efficiency. Some of the ways you can save money include:

• Using H2O-efficient practices (e.g. turning off the tap while you brush your teeth)
• Using low flow controls
• Choosing the right system for your needs (e.g. don’t buy a large one you don’t need)

Tips for reducing H2O usage

Conserving H2O is an effective way to minimise your costs. Besides using good hot water cylinders, some of the ways you can reduce your usage include:

• Installing low-flow fixtures
• Having showers rather than baths
• Shortening your shower time
• Not leave taps running
• Fixing leaks promptly
• Turning your system off when on holidays
• Insulating your tank.

Types of systems

There are two main kinds of hot water cylinders:

Instantaneous

Instantaneous systems heat up the H2O as needed rather than storing it.

Storage

Storage tanks work by heating up the H2O and then storing it in the tank, ready to use.

 

Different heating systems

There are several different kinds of heating systems, each which have advantages for certain properties. Choosing the right one for your needs can save you a lot of money.

Electric

Electric systems are the most common but can also be the most expensive in the long run due to ongoing electricity prices. They come in off-peak tariff and instantaneous options.

Solar

Solar hot water cylinders use heat from the sun, which can be a cost-effective option in the long run. However, these systems tend to have high installation costs. They also come with an electric or gas boost to ensure you have access to heated H2O on rainy days.

Gas

Gas hot water cylinders come in either instantaneous or storage options and can be installed either outside or inside the property. If you have a small amount of space and a natural gas connection, this can save you a lot of money.

Heat pump

A heat pump system uses electricity yet is more efficient than a conventional electric system – and a gas system, as it happens. It works by extracting heat from the air to warm up the H2O, thereby using less electricity. The two main options are integrated systems (ideal for properties with limited space) and split systems (which have a separate tank and pump). This option may not be efficient in cold areas (below 5 degrees Celsius).

 

Financial assistance

Financial aid may be available to some people. The Australian Government may provide a number of rebates and forms of payment assistance to those who are eligible.

 

Warranties

Warranties are important as they protect you in the instance that your system is damaged. You should ensure that you also get warranties for all the different parts, such as thermostats and heating elements, and possibly on labour, too.

 

Hot water cylinders are an important system in most homes and workplaces, as they provide a continual and reliable flow of warm H2O for use in showers, sinks and washing machines. Make sure you get the right one for your needs.