There are two types of warm water units; ones that store hot water for use and instantaneous water heaters that heat water as it is needed. In the past, there has been discussion as to which is the most cost effective with one argument against using fuel to heat and store water that it may not be needed and the other argument stating that using fuel during off-peak times was better value. With the increase in fuel options and the decrease of savings for off-peak usage the old arguments have been turned upside down and users now have a tough choice to make.
Store or Heat
Water systems that heat and store hot water can be great for families who have a consistent amount of hot water that they use on eachday. As this option stores hot water by the litre, they can run out of water. If you are looking for a water storage system make sure you know how much hot water your home uses before choosing your new system.
Types of fuel available for water systems
• Electricity - traditional and in many homes, most electrical systems heat water overnight to take advantage cheaper rates. They come in various sizes by the litre.
• Gas - gas water systems are made in instantaneous or storage systems. These are common in areas that have access to natural gas as running them off bottled LPG can be very pricy
• Solar - becoming more and more popular with the increase in fuel costs. Solar is certainly cheap to use because the sun is free. Many run in conjunction with other systems to ensure water is always available.
• Slow combustion wood - these systems heat hot water using a wood fire that you may have to keep your house warm. By using this method, you are receiving double use of one resource.
• Geothermal and Oil - these units are used widely overseas but aren't common in here in Australia. In colder climates these options also provide heating for the house.
Solar versus Traditional
There are many great advantages to solar hot water, both environmental and economic. The government has spent lots of dollars on encouraging Australian homes to install solar water systems, partially to take some of the load off our power usage but also because it serves good environmental sense.
Many people believe that if they install solar water they won't have warm water if the sun isn't shining, this doesn't need to be the case. Many solar systems are installed alongside a back-up system, such as instantaneous gas warm water heating, to pick up any shortage that they may have. If your solar panel is on your roof facing a northerly aspect then you should benefit from at least some free hot water every day year round.
Many households use simple solar heating systems to heat their swimming pools as well for price reasons. You will often see black tubing on the roofs of houses, these are usually holding water that is being heated naturally by then sun before being poured into in swimming pools.
Although solar power may be the cheapest option to run day to day it is also one of the more expensive systems to purchase in comparison. If you are looking to stay in your house for more than four years you may find that a solar system will return the money that you put into it.
By Darren LeeFac
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8092576
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