A family of four in a three-bedroom house should have a hot water system that can provide around 200 litres of hot water at any time.

The installation costs of a hot water system will depend on the type of system you want, your location and any work that needs to be carried out. On average, the installation costs of gas and electric systems is around the same, $100 per hour. This means that you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a new hot water system installation. Many factors play into your hot water system costs including type, capacity, fuel source, size of unit needed, running costs, electrical hookup costs if applicable and any additional work that might need to be done. For example the initial cost of a gas water heater installation can differ greatly depending on the needs and complexity of the gas hot water installation such as any additional plumbing, fitting or replacements needed.

How is a hot water system installed?

A hot water system installation can be done in a number of different ways. The first step to the installation process is to turn off the water supply. If there is no pipe directly leading into the unit, you can turn it off at the main line. If there is a valve leading to the hot water system, this should be turned off as well. There are different ways that your new hot water system can be attached to the existing piping of an old hot water system through which it draws its source of water; for instance; you may have storage tanks installed on top of your roof or in line with your cold water system. Another option might be to attach it underground if space allows for it and then cover over the area once all lines are attached. You will also need to know how much power you want your heater to draw so that you can install a breaker for it. Once all of these operations have been carried out, the unit needs to be tested by turning on the water supply and making sure that water flows from every faucet inside your house properly. If something seems off, such as low pressure or low output, call in a professional to check what is wrong. If everything checks out, you can turn on your hot water heater and wait for it to heat up. It will take at least an hour before you see any results because the system has not yet built up enough pressure and temperature to provide instant hot water service.

What are the different types of hot water heaters?

  • Gas hot water system.

  • Solar hot water system.

  • Electric hot water system.

  • Heat pump water heaters.

  • Hybrid electric/gas-fired systems.

Gas hot water systems

A gas hot water system is one where you use natural gas to power your hot water heater. A gas hot water heater seems to be the most popular choice with homeowners because it is both convenient and can save money in the long run.

Solar hot water systems

Solar hot water systems absorb the sun heat and use solar power to power the heater. Solar water heaters are great for warmer climates where there is an abundance of sunlight and provide an environment-friendly and energy-efficient solution to water heating.

Electric hot water systems

Electric hot water systems don't need much upkeep besides yearly inspections unless a mechanical part or the plumbing develops an issue.

Heat pump systems

Heat pump systems work by extracting heat for the outside air and converting it to help heat water. A heat pump hot water heater might be more costly to install but these water heaters promise greater savings in the longer run.

Hybrid hot water systems

Hybrid systems combine these two elements for a middle ground between affordability and efficiency so that you have access to hot water without breaking the bank.

What should you consider when choosing a hot water system?

When selecting your new hot water system there are a number of things you need to take into consideration.

  • The size of your household.

  • The climate.

  • Your energy usage habits.

  • Your budget.

If you have a large family or live in a colder climate, you will need a larger unit that can provide enough heat for everyone taking into account how quickly the water cools down; likewise, if you are environmentally conscious then electric water heaters would be the best option for you. If you are on a tight budget, then a hybrid hot water heater or gas hot water system might be the way to go.

How long do hot water systems last?

A home hot water system should last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, there are a number of factors that can influence just how long your hot water system will last.

  • The quality of the hot water system installation job.

  • How well you maintain your hot water system.

If regular maintenance is performed as recommended by the manufacturer, you can expect your hot water system to run for at least 12 years before needing any major repairs or replacing your existing hot water system with more efficient ones. Regular care and maintenance can help you save the costs of s hot water heater replacement.

What size hot water system should I get?

When selecting your hot water system it is important to take into account the below.
  • How many people in your household.

  • The number of bathrooms you have.

  • Each person uses about 50 litres of hot water each day and a storage tank should have around days' worth of capacity. Take into account washing machines, dishwashers, and baths/showers.

  • A family of four in a three-bedroom house should have a hot water system that can provide around 200 litres of hot water at any one time.