Episode 4 :: Choosing an energy efficient hot water system
We use a lot of hot water in our homes. A family of four uses around 70,000 litres of it a year, and hot water makes up 30% of the average household's water bill.
So it makes sense to choose a system that will meet your needs using less energy, which will cost you less to run and cut your environmental impacts in the long run. Here's how.
Know your hot water needs
If you're in the market for a new hot water system, here are some things to consider and discuss with your supplier.
- How much hot water you use. How many people live in your house? Do you use a lot of hot water at once, and when do you use it (e.g. does everyone shower in the morning)?
- Upfront and ongoing costs. Think about the upfront purchase and installation costs, and how much it will cost to run for years to come.
- Environmental impacts. Systems that uses less energy and/or uses renewable energy will reduce the environmental impacts into the future.
Check out the options
Solar water heating, heat pump water heating, continuous flow gas or electric, gas storage cylinders, electric cylinders, systems supplemented with wood energy - there are lots of hot water heating options to choose from.
ENERGYWISE™ has lots of good information on to help you weigh up the choices.
Find out more about choosing the right hot water system
Whichever system you choose, using it efficiently will mean less energy and water is wasted.
Find out more about simple ways to save on hot water
