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Gas continuous flow hot water system

Can You Afford a New Hot Water System?

Hot water is one of life's essentials.

Nothing screams inconvenience quite like a broken-down hot water system, leaving you to start your day with a cold shower. It goes without saying; a warm shower, a hot cuppa, or a steamy soak in the tub can be exactly what you need at any given moment of the day. But what happens when our faithful water heating system, the unsung hero of our daily routines, decides to call it quits?

In this blog post, we delve into this often-dreaded scenario. We explore how to navigate the necessities of an unexpected hot water system replacement, and surprisingly, how it can turn into an opportunity for you to save money in the long run.

The Importance of Your Home’s Hot Water System

We often underestimate the significance of our hot water system, yet it’s one of the vital parts of our everyday routines. Imagine starting your day with a joltingly cold shower, or being unable to wash the dishes after a hearty dinner. A faulty hot water system can even affect your laundry routine if you can’t wash your clothes at the recommended temperature. And we’ve not even touched on the comfort factor during those chilly winter months!

We might get by without a car or an oven, given the public transport and meal delivery options available. However, the absence of a functional hot water system is a situation no one wants to find themselves in. It’s not just about luxury, it’s about basic necessity. Therefore, ensuring the smooth operation of your water heating service should always be a priority. So when it conks out, it’s essential to have a plan.

What Hot Water Systems Are Available?

Whether you’re replacing an old, inefficient hot water system or installing a new one for your dream home, there’s a range of options on the market to choose from. Your choice will depend on factors like:

  • your budget
  • your hot water usage
  • the size of your household, and
  • the energy sources available at your property

Here’s a brief rundown of some popular types of hot water systems:

Gas Hot Water Systems

A gas-powered system can be a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice if your home has a natural gas connection. Gas systems are known for their fast recovery rates and capacity to deliver hot water continuously.

Gas continuous flow hot water system attached to brick wall.

Electric Hot Water Systems

These are generally the cheapest to purchase and install. However, an electric hot water system can be more expensive to run, especially if you use a lot of hot water or have a large household. Off-peak tariffs can help to reduce running costs.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar water heaters use renewable energy from the sun to heat water, making them an environmentally friendly option. While the initial cost is higher, over time they can provide significant savings on your energy bills over time.

Heat Pump Systems

The heat pump system is a great alternative for those who want the efficiency of a solar hot water system but don’t have the right conditions for solar panels. Heat pump systems extract heat from the air and use it to heat the water.

Storage or Instantaneous Hot Water?

In addition to how these hot water systems are powered, you will need to consider how you want your hot water supply to come through your kitchen and bathroom taps. Across Australia, you’ll typically find one of two types of water heating options – continuous flow systems or a storage tank unit.

Gas or Electric Storage Hot Water Systems 

Gas storage systems use natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to heat and store water in a tank. The gas burner situated at the bottom of the tank heats the water. Once it reaches the desired temperature, the water remains stored until someone needs it. When that happens, and someone turns on the hot tap, the water gets drawn from the tank, and cold water refills the storage for future use. Though not as common as storage-based gas water heaters, electric systems are also available.

top half of a storage hot water system, installed underneath the kitchen counter next to the oven.

Gas or Electric Instantaneous Water Heaters

An instantaneous hot water system, also known as a tankless or continuous flow system, works by heating water directly as it flows through a heat exchanger. They differ from storage systems as they do not store hot water in a tank. Instead, they provide hot water instantaneously and as needed. This heating method provides greater energy efficiency and a reliable hot water supply.

Remember, each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your needs carefully before making your decision. It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a trusted professional like us at Plumber Near Me, who can guide you to the hot water system that best fits your needs and budget.

The Big Question: How Much is a New Hot Water System?

The timing of a hot water system breakdown is rarely ideal. You might just have spent a significant chunk of your savings on a well-deserved holiday or pulled out the credit card to upgrade your car to a shiny new model. Regardless of the situation, when your hot water heater decides it’s time to retire, you’ll need to replace it urgently.

That’s where you’re hit with the big question, “How much is a new hot water system?” As it happens, your hot water service will likely be a significant investment, often costing several thousand dollars. Prices will typically vary depending on which type of hot water heater you have (storage or continuous flow water heaters), the heating method and its energy efficiency.

But don’t fret just yet! At Plumber Near Me, we offer interest-free** payment plans that provide some financial relief when you need it the most.

Breakdown of the Interest-Free** Hot Water System Plan

Replacing a hot water system might feel like a financial strain, especially when it unexpectedly breaks down. But that’s where our interest-free** payment plans, available through reputable buy now, pay later providers Zip and Humm, can turn the tide. Instead of covering the entire cost upfront, you can spread it out into manageable weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. It’s designed to be a financial solution that brings flexibility and convenience to your life.

Our aim is to provide peace of mind by removing the upfront cost of a new hot water system. With our interest-free** payment plans, you can relax and concentrate on choosing the right hot water system for your home, knowing that the financial side of things is already taken care of.

When Your Hot Water System Breakdown Becomes an Opportunity

It’s said that every cloud has a silver lining, and a breakdown of your hot water system is no exception. Once you’ve moved past the initial frustration of dealing with your hot water system’s meltdown, it’s time to view this as an unexpected opportunity for an upgrade.

Perhaps your current system is an inefficient, power-guzzling beast, such as an old electric hot water system with a storage tank. If so, this might be the perfect time to consider more energy-efficient alternatives like a new natural gas continuous flow system. Not only does it provide endless hot water, but it could also considerably lower your power bills.

And what if you don’t have gas access at your property? Don’t worry, you still have options! Energy-efficient alternatives like heat pumps offer significant savings and are second only to solar hot water systems in terms of efficiency. Sure, the initial costs might be a bit higher compared to traditional hot water heaters, but the long-term energy savings make it a worthwhile investment. Your hot water system breakdown could be the catalyst for making a smarter, more sustainable choice!

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.