How to Choose a Hot Water System: A Plumber’s Guide for Epping, Ryde and Eastwood
Hot water gone? See our hot water repairs and replacements page or call 0451 001 503, 24/7.
Quick answer: Start with about 50 litres of hot water per person per day, then choose between gas storage, gas continuous flow, electric storage, heat pump or solar based on your gas supply, space, power tariff and household size.
Most people only think about their hot water system on the morning it stops working. Then they’re standing in the driveway with a plumber, picking a new one in five minutes. If you’ve got a bit of time before that happens, here’s how I’d work out what to get.
Start with how much hot water you use
A rough rule I use is about 50 litres of hot water per person per day. So a family of four needs something that can deliver around 200 litres, either from a storage tank or a continuous flow unit that can keep up. Big households, or homes where two or three showers run at once, need more.
Gas storage
A tank that heats with a gas burner. It recovers quickly, handles a busy morning well and works in a blackout. A good all-rounder if you’ve got gas connected and room outside. I go through the brands in Aquamax vs Rheem Stellar vs continuous flow.
Gas continuous flow
No tank. It heats water as it passes through, so it never runs out and it takes up much less space on the wall. The trade-off is how many outlets it can run at once. A 26 litre unit suits a smaller household. If you’ve got several bathrooms in use together, size up or think about a storage tank.
Electric storage
Cheap to buy and easy to install, and it works anywhere. Running costs depend a lot on your tariff. On off-peak power it can be reasonable, but on a normal tariff it’s usually the most expensive option to run. The tank can also run out if everyone showers back to back.
Heat pump
Works like a fridge in reverse, pulling heat from the air into the water. It uses a lot less electricity than a standard electric tank, which makes it a good fit if you’re moving off gas or have solar panels. It costs more upfront and makes a bit of noise, so think about where it goes.
Solar
Panels on the roof heat the water, with gas or electric boost for cloudy days. Running costs can be very low, but upfront cost is higher and you need the right roof. These days a lot of people with rooftop solar find a heat pump simpler.
Things that change the answer
- Is gas connected? If not, a gas system means a new gas line, which adds cost.
- Where will it go? Tanks need floor space outside. Continuous flow units need a wall and a good flue position.
- Do you have solar panels? A heat pump or electric tank on a timer can use your own power.
- How long are you staying? If you’re selling soon, a simple like-for-like swap usually makes the most sense.
Tank material matters too
Most storage tanks are glass-lined steel. Some are stainless steel, which costs more but doesn’t need an anode replaced. I explain the difference in stainless steel vs vitreous enamel tanks.
If you’d like a straight answer on what suits your house in Epping, Ryde, Eastwood or nearby, call me on 0451 001 503. I’ll ask a few questions and give you a price before anything gets ordered.
Quick questions
What size hot water system does a family of four need?
A rough guide is around 200 litres of hot water a day, either from a storage tank or a continuous flow unit sized to keep up.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than electric hot water?
Yes. A heat pump uses much less electricity than a standard electric tank, though it costs more to buy.