Installing a new hot water system can be a real headache, whether you’re making decisions about a new house, renovating, or replacing an old unit which is no longer functioning properly. There are many different options currently on the market, and no easy answer to the question, ‘Which one is best?’, so before you pull out your wallet to make a purchase, take some time to answer the following questions.

1. What price range is realistic for our family?
2. How much hot water do we use in our household?
3. Is choosing an environmentally-friendly system a high priority for us?

Once you have thought through these issues, you have several choices to make.

Gas, electric, or solar?

Firstly, you need to think about whether you prefer your hot water service to be gas, electric, or solar. There are pros and cons to all three options. Electric systems are typically relatively inexpensive to purchase and install, but rising electricity prices can make them expensive to run, and they are the least environmentally-friendly option on the market. Gas systems are slightly more expensive to purchase, but lower running costs make them more cost-effective than electric units in the long run. They are also more environmentally friendly than electric systems. Solar systems are by far the most expensive to purchase and install, but if they are positioned well and properly maintained can have very low running costs over time. Solar hot water units are definitely the greenest choice currently available.

Storage tank or continuous flow?

In addition to choosing what your hot water system will run on, you also need to consider whether you prefer a system which uses a storage tank for hot water, or a continuous flow system which heats water as needed. Generally speaking, continuous flow systems are more energy efficient (and hence cheaper to run), but if you have a large household with high hot water usage, a storage system may be the better choice.

Other considerations

Finally, you will need to consider the size of the system you want to install (a factor which is usually dictated by the number of people who will be using it), and the brand you would like to purchase. You may like to look at recommendations made by groups such as Choice, and, if you are considering a gas hot water service, you can also compare the energy efficiency of different units based on their star ratings.

Need advice?

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed right now, and uncertain about which is the best way forward for your family, don’t be alarmed. Choosing the right hot water service is a complicated business, and it involves taking many different factors into consideration. At PNG Solutions, our hot water experts can help you make the right choice for your home, using our detailed knowledge of the available options to help you select a unit you will be happy with for many years to come. We also offer installation services to get your hot water flowing quickly – and maintenance services to keep it that way!