- By Hanover Plumbing
- In Gas, Plumbing
- Tags FAQs, Hot Water Heating, LPG, Natural Gas, NZ Homes
Hot Water Heating!? Solar vs Gas vs Electric
Are you looking for a better hot water heating system? Or are you building a new home and aren’t sure what type of system will be best for you? With several options to choose from it can be tough to make a simple comparison. That’s where we can help! We’ve outlined the options below and are always keen to discuss your hot water heating needs so give us a call to discuss more.
Gas Hot Water Heating – Continuous Flow
Pros
- As we’ve outlined before, continuous flow systems are great for never running out of hot water.
- They aren’t as big as hot water cylinders so you can reclaim the hot water cupboard space!
Cons
- If you aren’t hooked up to reticulated gas, you might find it a bit more costly than other options.
- Usually, the unit needs power so you won’t be showering if there’s a power outage.
Gas Hot Water Heating – Cylinder
Pros
- For the volume of water, you’re storing, this can usually be cheaper to run than an electric one of the same size.
- These can usually still operate in a power outage.
Cons
- The system heats a large amount of water at all times, regardless of usage.
- The upfront cost is more than an electric one in most cases.
Electric Hot Water Heating – Cylinder
Pros
- Your house might already be set up for this so a new one is easy to get installed.
- The upfront cost is lower than many other options.
Cons
- The running costs are relatively high as it constantly heats a large volume of water.
- An older tank won’t be as efficient as a newer one.
Electric Hot Water Heating – Heat Pump
Pros
- Using heat pump technology, naturally occurring thermal energy is harnessed and used to heat the water.
- They are energy efficient and have low running costs compared to an electric cylinder. This efficient process can reduce your water heating costs by up to 70%.
Cons
- The systems can cost more than a normal cylinder would.
- They have to work harder in cold weather because they extract heat from the air to heat your water.
Solar Hot Water Heating
Pros
- Low ongoing costs as the sun will fuel the system.
- They are a green choice as they aren’t using gas to heat the water.
Cons
- Though they are decreasing in cost, they can still require a more significant up-front cost than other systems.
Compare Water Heating Systems Online
There’s no one answer that fits every household. It depends on how much hot water you use and the habits of the people living there. Energywise has created a great tool to let you compare your choices.
And if you are building brand new, we’ve also explained the pros and cons of LPG and natural reticulated gas.
If you have any questions on what works for you, we’re happy to have a chat to help you figure it out.
