Hot water systems rarely give much warning before they fail, tending instead to die suddenly, leaving you in a panic to replace them. But panic buying isn’t ideal when you are making such a significant, long-term investment. 

Before you click ‘add to cart’ on the first hot water system that you see, remember that taking the time to choose the right hot water system can save you money, not just on the purchase price, but also on installation and ongoing energy costs. The wrong choice, made in desperation, can leave you crying in your steaming hot shower over your escalated power bill.

Like everything else, new hot water systems have evolved, and with so many choices it’s easy to fall into analysis paralysis. But with the right information, choosing the right one doesn’t have to be complicated,  

Important Points to Consider When Buying a Hot Water System

Choosing a hot water system because of its cheap initial cost can haunt you for many years to come. The five points of consideration are efficiency, maintenance, life span and warranty, demand on the unit and environmental impact. 

Installation cost will vary for your type of residence and location. For example, installation for a single-story house will differ to that of a top-story apartment.

Five Types of Hot Water Systems Popular in Brisbane

• Electric Tank Systems 
• Stores hot water.
• Available in electric, gas, and solar models. 
• Generally, a low-cost option for buying and installing, but not the most efficient. 
• 5 to 7-year warranty.

Continuous Flow Systems

• Do not require storage tanks, but heat on demand. 
• Generally low to mid installation cost. 
• 3-year warranty is average.

Solar Hot Water 

• Energy efficient, cheap to run, environmentally friendly. 
• On the upper scale for purchase and installation. 
• Warranties vary.

Gas Hot Water Systems 

• Can be storage or continuous. 
• Can be used during power blackouts. 
• Mid-range purchase and installation costs. 
• Warranties ranging from 2 to 5 years. 
• Depending on your location, it may be cheap to run.

Heat Pump System 

• The shiny new option, which is highly efficient.
• Uses heat from the air and ground to heat the water. 
• While the initial installation is high, the subsequent years of low energy bills make this a smart, long-term investment.

Rather than crying in your hot bubble bath after each power bill arrives, ensure you consult with Master Plumbers in Brisbane who can offer advice tailored to your specific circumstances, as well as information about current rebates.