How Does Hot Water Affect the Energy-Efficiency of Your Home?

As homeowners, we’re always on the lookout for ways to increase the energy efficiency of our homes.

And with rising energy costs and the impact of climate change becoming increasingly evident, reducing our energy consumption has never been more important. In Australia, we have some of the most prolific access to the earth’s natural resources – and still, according to the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, renewable energy sources accounted for just ~24% of Australia’s total electricity generation.

One area that many people overlook when it comes to energy efficiency is their hot water system. In this article, we will explore the ways in which the right hot water system can increase the energy efficiency of your home, including:

• Reducing energy consumption
• Utilising cutting-edge technology
• Adding to the value of your home

Ready? Let’s get stuck in:

What hot water system options are available?

When choosing the best hot water system for your home, it helps to ask the following questions:

• How many people need hot water?
• How much hot water does your household use daily?
• When are your peak periods for hot water usage?
• What kind of climate do you live in?

Your answers to these questions will help determine the right system for you, and give you the opportunity to increase the overall energy-efficiency of your home.

Here, it’s important to understand that not all hot water systems are created equal.

Traditional hot water systems, such as storage tanks, are known for their inefficiency. These systems require a large amount of energy to heat water and keep it at a constant temperature. What this also means is that they’re constantly using energy, even when your home isn’t using or producing hot water.

In contrast, modern hot water systems, such as heat pumps and solar hot water systems, are designed to be more energy-efficient.

The types of hot water systems available on today’s market include:

• Electric hot water systems (some of the most common in Victoria, and available in both instantaneous and storage models)
• Gas hot water systems (also common in Victoria and available in both gas/instantaneous hot water models)
• Solar hot water
• Heat pump hot water systems

By far the most efficient, cost-effective (over the long-term) and sustainable hot water systems are those driven by a heat pump.

Hot water heat pumps work like a fridge, but in reverse: hot air is collected by a refrigerant, sent through the system, then passed into the water storage tank.

How does the right hot water system increase energy-efficiency?

What’s most impressive about heat pump hot water systems is their incredible efficiency.

Standard electric heating has around 100% efficiency – but don’t be fooled by this semi-confusing terminology! “100% efficiency” actually means that this means that it takes 1kW of electricity to create 1kW of heat energy from a given (electric) hot water system. On the other hand, the highest quality heat pumps, such as those stocked by G Store, average around 500% efficiency – a huge saving!

Think about it. This means that if you switched from your current electric hot water system to a quality heat pump system, you’d be using about 20% of your current electricity and paying only 20% of its cost.

What technology do quality hot water systems use?

Another way that the right hot water system can help increase the energy efficiency of your home is through the use of smart technology. Many contemporary, beautifully designed hot water systems are now equipped with smart features, such as timers and sensors, that allow them to operate more efficiently.

A hot water system with a timer, for example, can be set to only heat water during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. This means that you can save money on your energy bills while also reducing your energy consumption – bonus!

It pays to look for a hot water system that not only suits the needs of your current situation, but that has features, systems and technology that can carry you and your household into the future – no cold showers included.

How do hot water systems increase the value of my home?

Installing a hot water system can also vastly increase the value of your home.

How? Technology (and renewables) are now seen as the provision of important amenity and long-term value-add that potential buyers look for.

According to a survey conducted by Realestate.com.au in 2020, approximately 85% of Australians believe that solar panels and their associated technologies increase a property’s value. The survey also found that 80% of Australians are interested in purchasing a home with solar panels installed, and that 67% of respondents said they would be willing to pay more for a home with solar panels.

This same study showed that solar panels are the most sought-after feature among energy-efficient upgrades, with 60% of respondents expressing interest in purchasing a home with solar hot water systems and 55% interested in purchasing a home with a battery storage system.

A reliable hot water system can also improve the quality of life for the occupants of your household by providing consistent hot water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In addition, newer and more energy-efficient hot water systems can help to reduce utility costs, which can be an attractive feature for potential buyers who are looking for a home that is efficient and cost-effective.

Wrapping up

The right hot water system is life-changing. Pair it with a brand-new solar PV system and solar battery from G Store and you could even be making money from your electricity, rather than paying those bills you’ve come to know and – let’s be frank – dislike intensely.

With our 15+ years of solar and hot water expertise, let us help you. Read more now over at our Learning Centre, or drop our award-winning team a line today on 1300 137 567.