Hot water – it’s much more than just a lovely convenience. No, it’s actually a basic daily necessity that can mean the difference between a comfortable home and absolute chaos, worry and stress. It’s not just about showers and dishes, but a matter of providing a consistent and reliable stream of hot water in a functional home for the people you love. So here’s one of your hot questions we’re answering today: What size hot water system do I need?
So what goes into understanding what size hot water system you need? Remember, it’s not just about having enough hot water with an undersized and underpowered system. It’s also critical to avoid trying to deal with an oversized system! If it’s too big, it will be inefficient, and add unnecessary energy consumption to your already soaring power bills.
What’s the deal with hot water system sizes, then? Well, it’s not just about hot water tank sizes – it’s about the extreme and ever-growing variety of hot water systems and technologies on the market today. They range from traditional gas hot water and electric hot water tanks to more modern solar hot water and heat pump hot water models – and more. Here in Brisbane and beyond in Australia, each technology type offers unique capacities and efficiencies that are all designed to meet highly specific household needs.
Hot water system sizes: Finding the perfect fit
Choosing the right hot water system size for your home means assessing your specific needs and understanding how all those different systems can meet them. Just need us to tell you now? Ok: Here’s how you can determine the most suitable hot water system size and technology for your household, step by step:
1. Assess your daily hot water usage
How much hot water does your household use on a daily basis? We know that’s hard to answer off the top of your head, because you’ll need to factor in the number of bathrooms and the frequency of hot-water dishwasher and washing machine use. But that’s not all, because your overall lifestyle and preferences also play a critical role here.
2. Understand hot water system capacities
What size hot water system for family of 4? It’s one of our most common enquiries, so let’s begin with this: Hot water systems are typically measured in litres. That means that for a family of four, a system size of around 250-300L is usually recommended – at least. But for a couple, a smaller system in the range of 160-180 litres may be enough.
3. Utilise a hot water system size calculator
Have you tried to access the online tools that are out there to help you estimate the appropriate system size based on your household’s specific needs? They will normally factor in things like peak usage times and the number of occupants, but they may still not be entirely accurate for your particular situation.
4. Consider the different technologies
Make sure you choose the technology that fits your lifestyle, local climate, budget and personal preferences. For instance, solar hot water systems are really great for super-sunny areas of Brisbane and beyond, while heat pumps can be efficient in milder climates. The other, less modern technologies, meanwhile, are suitable for basically any situation at all.
5. Factor in peak hot water demand
Also important is that you consider when your household uses the most hot water. Does everyone shower in the morning or evening? Are the other hot water-hungry appliances run mostly at night? The answers to these questions will greatly influence the capacity and recovery rate you need.
6. Decide between instantaneous or storage systems
Instantaneous systems heat water as you need it, making them perfect for smaller households or lower water usage. Traditional storage systems, however, keep a tank of hot water ready for use and are better for larger households with higher water demands. So in choosing what hot water system size you need, you also need to decide whether you need instantaneous or storage-based hot water systems.
7. Hot water tank sizes
The size of the hot water tank you install is absolutely crucial if you opt for a storage-based system. Just ensure the tank is large enough to meet your peak demand – without being so large that it wastes energy.
8. Installation & maintenance considerations
Consider the space that is available at your place for installation and any ongoing maintenance requirements. Some systems, like gas or solar, may also have specific installation prerequisites – and that can really affect your wisest sizing decisions.
Carefully and accurately address each of these factors, and you’ll be well on your way to a hot water system that not only meets your daily needs but also operates efficiently and affordably.
About SJ Plumbing & Gas
Located in the heart of Brisbane but faithfully servicing all of the beautiful surrounds in amazing Queensland, SJ Plumbing & Gas is your friendly and local expert for all your hot water system installation and repair needs. We offer the full suite of 5-star plumbing and hot water services – ranging from installation to maintenance and replacement and so much more, ensuring your home is always enjoying streaming hot water in the most efficient way.
Don’t wait for that dreaded cold shower, and instead get in touch with S&J Plumbing & Gasfitting Brisbane – to find the perfect match for your home & budget!