Did you know that taking 7-minute showers and doing small chores can make your hot water bill high? A hot water system can make up about 30% of your total energy bill for the quarter. This shows how costly electric hot water systems can be. However, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. There are many energy-efficient ways to get hot water all day and night. For instance, a hot water heat pump has the potential to save you a lot in the process.
When discussing efficient heat pump hot water systems, I need to mention both gas hot water systems and heat pumps. Heat pumps or gas hot water systems: which one saves you more money and works without hassle? Â
Gas Hot Water System
A gas hot water tank is quite commonly used all over Australia. You need a natural gas connection in your home. Alternatively, you can use LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) bottles to power the heater. The average
How Does A Gas Hot System Work
Overview of the Gas Hot Water System
- Utilizes natural gas or LPG as its main heating source. If you choose natural gas, be aware of the extra costs and the higher usage compared to LPG. It is advisable to install this unit outdoors, as it necessitates adequate ventilation.Â
- Installation is simple and usually takes 2 to 3 hours to be ready. This includes the setup process. While it is regarded as a cost-effective option, the year 2022 has witnessed a notable increase in gas prices due to various global events. Reports indicate that gas prices in Australia have surged by approximately 40%.Â
- This heating solution offers a direct and uncomplicated method for warmth, making it easy to understand and use. It relies on gas, a fossil fuel, which is classified as a non-renewable energy source, thereby significantly contributing to your carbon footprint. For a family of four, over a decade, the use of either natural or LPG gas can result in the emission of 7.3 to 12.6 tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Source)Â
- It is capable of delivering hot water instantly through an instantaneous tank system. However, it must be managed with great care, as it can ignite under pressure; while this is unlikely, it is still a possibility. Therefore, it requires a designated area with proper ventilation and safety measures.
Hot Water Heat Pump Systems
This is one of the most efficient technologies used for water heating purposes. Rather than using direct electricity, a heat pump uses only a fraction of power to heat up the water. It greatly lowers your electricity use compared to an electric hot water system. If you have solar panels on your roof, you can enjoy nearly free hot water for a long time.
How Does a Hot Water Heat Pump Work
They work similarly to a refrigerator but in reverse. An energy-efficient heat pump warms water using power and refrigerant. It does this instead of freezing it like a regular fridge. Heat pump water heaters use energy to move heat from one place to another. In this case, they move heat from the surrounding environment to the refrigerant. They achieve this by heating the refrigerant and releasing that heat into the water. Again, it uses the basic principle of heat but in a smarter manner.
This method heats water by taking heat from the environment instead of using electricity. This way, it saves a lot of energy while achieving the same goal. You can save a lot of money on your power bills with this water heating method. It uses very little electricity. Learn more about it here.
Overview of Hot Water Heat Pumps
- This system is 500% more efficient than a regular electric hot water system. It produces 4 kWs of output using only 1 kW of input energy.
- It does not use direct electricity. Instead, it uses a small amount to pull heat from the environment into the tanks.
- -20 degrees to 45-degree Celsius operating range with a significantly noiseless experience.
- It is not dangerous compared to a gas hot water system. It does not need gas to work.
- When you already have solar panels, the electricity required to operate the heat pump comes from there. Seemingly free hot water while emitting zero GHG gasses.
- Certain states can enjoy government-provided rebate to swap their electric hot water system with a heat pump.
- Installation can take a bit more time in comparison to the gas hot water system.
- Extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. Renewable source of energy makes it an even better experience.
- Usually installed outdoors for ease of access to natural heat.
Wondering if there is any present heat pump hot water rebate in NSW or Victoria? There are available rebates in both the states. Feel free to contact us for further information on the topic; we would be happy to help.  Â
For any hot water service, call Cyanergy. Â
