thisplace.com.au - Hot Water Systems

Hot water water heating can account for up to 40% of energy used in the home. So an energyWise choice about which hot water system you purchase can make a substantial difference to your energy bill.

The amount of hot water used by a household can vary widely and depends on the daily amount of bathing, clothes washing, cooking and dishwashing. The average family uses about 150-200 litres of hot water each day.

However, the amount of hot water used also depends on how the water is used.

When you need to install a hot water system in a new house, or replace an old system, you should give some thought to the type of system that's most appropriate to your needs. After all, the purchase of a hot water system may not only entail a significant initial cost outlay, but also represents a commitment to purchase energy for the expected 10-15 year lifetime of the system.

The main energy source for hot water systems in Queensland are electricity, gas, solar and wood.

Why Choose Solar?

economical - a solar hot water system can reduce your hot water bill by 80 % allowing you to recoup the purchase cost over time
reliable - providing you have a suitable sized tank and booster system installed, you should have a reliable supply of hot water at night and during cloudy days
environmental friendly - the solar hot water system uses solar energy instead of electricity or gas to heat water, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions
each hot water system installed will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 2.5 tonnes per year

Types of Solar Hot Water Systems

the thermosiphon type - which can be either close-coupled with the tank on the roof above the panels or with the tank located inside the roof and above the panels
a forced ( pumped ) circulation system - where the panels are located on the roof and the tank at ground level. A small pump circulates the water through the panels into the tank
a solar boosted heat pump system - which uses heat exchanger panels to absorb heat energy from the ambient air

Tips for Solar Hot Water Systems

make sure the system is properly installed
when possible, do jobs requiring hot water early in the day, this allows the water remaining in the tank to be reheated by the sun and reduces the auxiliary heating period
the recommended setting for the booster thermostat is approximately 60 degrees C. The lower the thermostat setting the less energy used to supplement solar heating
conserve hot water by using it efficiently
follow the manufacturer's recommendation for maintenance of your solar hot water system
choose your booster carefully

Source: energyWise