Unlike other parts of the world, Australia does not have boilers to heat its water. In fact, half of Australian households use electric water heating systems. In this article, we are going to talk more about hot water system – it’s process and its many uses.
There are basically two types of water heating systems: storage systems and instantaneous, and they use different energy sources, including gas, electricity, and solar power.
With storage water heater systems, the water is stored inside an insulated tank. They are further classified into two: mains pressure system and gravity feed system.
With a mains pressure system, the water is delivered at a pressure and flow rate that is similar to cold water. The storage tank is placed at ground level either outside or inside the house. Main pressure water heating systems have been become the water heaters of choice in recent decades, however, heat loss from the storage tanks, and their pipes and fittings can be substantial. Also, having a large electric storage tank can waste up to 1,000 kilowatts each year. On the other hand, a typical five-star gas storage water heating system wastes 3,500MJ, which is equivalent heating 50 to 60 liters of hot water everyday.
On the other hand, with gravity feed system, hot water is lowered from a tank that’s located on the roof of the house. Pressure depends on the height difference between the tank and where the water is being accessed.
In both the mains pressure system and gravity feed system, the storage tanks could be made of copper, glass or enamel-lined steel or stainless steel.
Continuous flow water heaters, meanwhile, do not use storage tanks and so they don’t suffer from heat loss. This system heats the water as it is being used. These types of heaters can be fitted with temperature controls, so you can save on energy and reduce the risk of scalding or burning.
As we said earlier, regardless of the type, there are different sources of energy for water heating systems, including gas, solar energy, and electricity sources.
If you are using electricity to power your water heater, you actually need to find other sources of energy. Why? As we said earlier, you could be wasting energy and over-paying your electricity bills because of heat loss. The most efficient source of energy is solar power, and there actually companies out there that manufacture solar-powered water heating systems.
If you plan on installing a water heating system in your home, there are several factors you need to consider, and cost is just one of them. Other factors include household size, available space, available energy sources, and the actually water heating system. To know more, please contact a water heating system company.
It is not always possible to install some heating systems in some homes because of a difficult layout or the lack of space. For example, a solar-type installation needs access to the sun and a roof space facing adequate north. For more information on hot water systems, click here.
