Healthy home hot water systems

ARTICLE Jennifer Price

Hot water systems are vital to your health and comfort in your home, but are easily overlooked - until something goes wrong.    Typically, it would be recommended that you think about replacing your hot water system every 15 years or so, depending on the type, location and usage history. If you are doing a renovation, it may be an ideal time to consider replacing your cylinder. 
To decide which type and size of hot water system is best for your home, you first need to think about which criteria are important to you and your family.  Considerations when looking at investing in a new hot water system include, but are not limited to:
- Size of the family/household versus the size and hot water delivery capability of each hot water system
- Where you live - both climate and your available water heating energy source (Solar, Natural Gas, electricity) are very important
- Your available budget
- Where the system will be located (inside/outside and questions like - do you have adequate north facing roof space for solar collectors?)
- Whether you are limited to Low Pressure or could upgrade to a Mains Pressure system

The major types of domestic hot water systems are:

• Electric Storage tanks, Electric Boosted Solar and Heat Pumps (these 3 options are typically for homes without access to natural gas).  These can be further sub-divided in New Zealand to Low and Mains pressure tanks.
• Gas Storage tanks, Gas Continuous Flow, Gas Boosted Solar (these 3 options are typically for homes with natural gas connected) If you have reticulated mains natural gas available to your property, then a high efficiency gas storage or continuous flow water heater can be a good option.  Many older homes in New Zealand have Low Pressure cylinders.  While New Zealand has a selection of tapware suited to this pressure system, the selection is limited compared to those ranges that operate on mains pressure water.  For many homes, upgrading to mains pressure is now an option and could be considered by those undertaking a major renovation. Dux hot water has a range of hot water heating systems (excluding low pressure options) that can suit different heating requirements. ### Caroma: Design for life For more bathroom design tips with Caroma, visit the Caroma website. #### You might be interested in reading: Healthy and efficient ventilation systems for your home. ### Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your home renovation project If you would like to discuss options and ideas for your next home renovation, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. *All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.