Why an Electric Hot Water System is Best for Your Home

Got an electric hot water system in your home? Rising living costs over recent years, particularly with electricity bills, have led Australian households to re-evaluate the way they access their hot water.

As it’s such an essential part of our daily lives, from showering in the morning to washing dishes in the evening, choosing a new hot water system can be a daunting task. Especially with so many options to choose from.

From solar hot water system models to heat pumps and natural gas storage systems, all have their benefits. But electric models will always have a worthy place in Australian homes, no matter what the household size.

Let’s explore some of the many benefits that you can enjoy with an electric-powered unit, from low purchase costs to safety and general convenience.

Different Electric Hot Water System Types

Before we look further into the strengths of an electric hot water heater, it’s worth getting to know the two types you’ll find on the market.

There are two main types of electric water heaters. They are:

• Electric storage water heaters
• Instantaneous or continuous flow systems

Storage Systems

An electric storage system holds water in a storage tank. There is a heating element located at the bottom of the unit that keeps water set to a required temperature, usually between 60-80°C.

Over time, that water temperature can drop. This happens particularly when people in your house use the hot water tap and the storage tank experiences heat loss. The system then replenishes with cold water which can further reduce the general temperature before the heating element heats the water once again.

Instantaneous/Continuous Flow Systems

Like electric storage hot water units, a continuous flow system also uses elements to heat water. With these systems, though, there is no tank for storing water. Instead, the elements are fixed at various positions along the system’s S-bend piping, and they heat water as it passes through the pipes. It’s worth noting that:

• As there is no tank, there are no issues regarding heat loss.
• While a storage water heater constantly keeps water heated, which can affect your household energy use, electric instantaneous water heaters only as much water as you need.

With that in mind, let’s look at the key benefits that you can enjoy.

1. Inexpensive to Purchase and Install

Of the various types of hot water systems, the electric hot water system is typically the cheapest to purchase and install. It’s why they’re used by almost 50% of Australian households – certainly one of the most common types of systems you’ll find. Low upfront costs when it comes to purchasing and installation make electric hot water services a worthwhile option for:

• Households on a budget
• Homeowners who suddenly need to replace their system due to an unexpected breakdown

By comparison, gas hot water heaters need pipes and vents installed to run properly – extra work that can drive up installation costs. Electric hot water systems are typically easier, and therefore less expensive, to set up.

2. Safety and Reliability

For a home water heating solution that is safe and reliable, you want an electric hot water system. Unlike gas-powered systems which run the risk of leaking potentially harmful gases, electric water heaters are safe for indoor usage and installation.

The absence of a water tank in a continuous flow system also minimises the potential for water damage and eliminates the risk of leakage – both of which can be expensive to repair.

Longer lifespan and low maintenance requirements mean that an electric hot water system can provide you with reliable, consistent running water for years to come.

3. Installation Versatility

Earlier we touched on how an electric hot water system is generally cheaper to install than other hot water services. They also offer greater versatility as to where you can choose to install them. You’ll benefit from:

• Model options that can be installed outdoors or indoors (both in storage or instantaneous options).
• Instantaneous/continuous flow water heaters come with compact designs – ideal for homes with limited space.
• Unlike gas-powered hot water services, electric hot water systems do not require a flue which also makes installation easier.

All you really need to install an electric hot water system is a suitable location and electricity!

4. High Convenience

An electric hot water system can be highly convenient for households that have a high demand for hot water. While gas hot water systems require you to wait for the tank to heat before you can make use of it, electric instantaneous water heaters provide you with hot water when you need hot water.

It’s the ideal solution for large families or homes with more than one bathroom. Electric hot water heaters are also comparatively smaller in size, which makes installation notably easier. They can often be fit into tighter spaces, which helps to free up important floor space.

5. Can Operate Cost-Effectively

Full disclosure – there are other more energy efficient water heating solutions than the electric hot water system. Solar power, heat pump and even gas typically consume less power than electricity-powered systems.

Therefore, the general running costs can be higher when you’re running an electric hot water service. However, you can be smart about your hot water usage to drive down running costs and cost-effectively run your system.

Some electric hot water systems allow you to program the time at which you heat your water for use. By setting your heater to use off-peak electricity, you can reduce your energy costs while still enjoying reliable heated water.

You can also further lessen any potential environmental impact by pairing your hot water system with a sustainable energy source like a solar PV system. These qualities make the electric hot water system a notable option for property owners seeking to minimise their carbon footprint while still being able to enjoy a consistent hot water supply.

6. Excellent Hot Water System Lifespan

With regularly scheduled maintenance, your electric hot water system should give you a decent number of years’ worth of reliable service. A storage tank system should give you a good 10-to-15 years; possibly even longer if you maintain that regular servicing schedule. Meanwhile, an instantaneous system can last up to 20 years!

Good Reasons to Go Electric

For the right hot water system for your home, the benefits of an electric unit are certainly compelling. Whether you choose an electric storage water heater or an instantaneous model, you can enjoy benefits such as:

• Low upfront purchase and installation costs
• Safety and reliability
• Ease of installation
• High convenience and performance
• Cost-effective energy use options
• Excellent lifespan

If you’re looking for a hot water heater that can accommodate your supply needs, an electric hot water system may be the perfect choice for your household.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.