Buying a new hot water system: Boiler types

If you're looking to install a new hot water system, there are a few options to consider. One vital factor is your new hot water tank's energy efficiency rating. Energy efficient boilers, other than being environmentally sound (given the wildly wasteful nature of traditional hot water systems), can save you big money and earn you a nice rebate.

Different types of hot water systems

If you are thinking about opting for an energy-efficient hot water system, the Federal Government and some State Governments are offering financial rebates for eligible households. This is because the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the average Australian home is water heating via a standard electric hot water heater. So what is actually available on the boiler market?

• Available in internal and external models, gas storage heaters heat much faster than electric systems. They store heated water at a constant temperature in an insulated tank, ready for use, and the water is reheated by a gas flame when the temperature drops. (Just to clarify: the more stars your system has in the energy star rating system, the better it is for the environment.)
• Electric storage heaters warm water in an insulated tank using an electric element. Units that are less than 160 litres in capacity are beneficial for households where smaller amounts of hot water are used throughout the day. Systems with more than 160 litres capacity generally use off-peak electricity. This means that water is heated overnight for ease of use during the day.
• Gas continuous flow systems. These units heat water as required, so the supply never runs out. They are a sensible mode of heating, as you only pay for water used. Given the heater type's comparatively petite dimensions, gas continuous flow systems tend to be popular with apartment units or smaller homes. Being more modest in size than storage systems, they can be installed inside or outside as a flue.
• Solar powered systems and heat pumps are environmentally-friendly alternatives to straight gas and electric systems, and government rebates are offered in a number of states to encourage their use. Both working in similar ways, solar powered systems use the sun's energy to heat water, while heat pumps remove heat from the ambient air. All come with gas, electric or solid fuel boosters, which kick in when the weather is less sunny or warm. Solar system connecters are located on the roof, whilst storage tanks are placed either on the roof or the ground. Heat pumps are generally located at ground level only.

Whether you're opting for a gas storage heater or solar powered unit, there's something to suit every home and situation. Nowadays it's a must to consider energy-efficient models, especially given predictions that new laws will kick in in about five years' time banning installation of traditional electric storage water heaters. Given cash savings that you stand to make too (alongside the obvious Green benefits), it really should be an easy decision to go the energy-efficient route when selecting your next hot water system.