Water services in a house must be designed and installed according to BS 6700 Water Regulations, or IS:1172/1993 Code of Basic Requirements For Water Supply, Drainage, and Sanitation. A house's water supply system can be either a direct or indirect system. This means that potable water is accessible at all taps and faucets from the main pressure rising. Direct and indirect water supply systems are used for cold water. Installing a hot water system is required to provide hot water for appliances and fixtures.
There Are Two Types Of Hot Water Systems:
Localized Hot Water System
It's a single-point heater that heats water locally (i.e. One heater can heat one appliance/fixture. Because it is located at a higher height than the fixture, less pipe work is required.
However, a localized hot-water system is more beneficial for smaller appliances (ex.: a row house with 1-2 bathrooms/each bathroom has its own heater). A hot water system is made up of hot water pipes, hot water heaters and taps (faucets). The water heater heats cold water and then it flows through hot water pipes to the appliances and faucets.
Centralized Hot Water System
This heater heats all fixtures and appliances with a single point. One heater can heat hot water for all household appliances. It should be installed in a location that is easily accessible to supply hot water to all fixtures.
The hot water system can be either centralized or localized depending on how many appliances are to be supplied with hot water. A centralized hot-water system is better for larger appliances (ex.: a bungalow with 3-4 bathrooms will have one hot water heater).
However, a central hot water system can require extra care as common problems like noisy pumps, cold spots or leaks, and often require bleeding. These common issues can be fixed by power flushing the entire centralized system, according to 2red. Water heaters can be powered by electricity, fuel, or a combination of both. Solar Energy.
Types And Applications Of Hot Water Systems
Electric Storage
Around half of Australian households use electric storage systems. These systems are usually the most affordable to purchase and install, but they are more costly to operate unless powered by solar PV.
Solar
Solar hot water systems are made up of evacuated tubes or solar panels and a storage tank unit that is installed either on the roof or below ground.
Solar hot water units that are not subject to the sun's rays during the winter months and those with long nights may need to be boosted using electricity or gas.
It is expensive to buy and install solar hot water systems.
To reduce costs, small-scale technology certificates (STCs), and other rebates might be available.
Heat Pump
Heat pump water heaters can be 30% more efficient than conventional electric hot water systems. The heat pump water heaters use a refrigeration cycle to extract heat and heat the water.
There Are Two Main Types.
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It is integrated with the compressor and tank.
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Separate the compressor and tank.
Like an air conditioner, the compressor can make noises.
Some models are not designed for locations with temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.
Heat pumps can be expensive to install and maintain, but they are very affordable to operate.
To reduce costs, small-scale technology certificates (STCs), and other rebates might be available.
Gas
Because of their venting requirements, gas hot water heaters are often installed outside. They are expensive to install and maintain and cost a lot to run.
The most popular type of gas water heater is the continuous flow, also known as instantaneous.
In cold climates, gas storage systems are especially inefficient. Because the tank is heated by a gas flame, they lose a lot of heat.
Rebates
You can find rebates and assistance from the Australian, state, and territory governments. Renewable power incentives could be available for solar and heat pump hot water systems in the form of small-scale technology certificates. An STC refers to a measure of renewable energy that can be traded for cash or a discount on system purchase prices.
Energy Performance
For:
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Electric and gas water heaters
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Gas instantaneous water heaters
MEPS do not apply to electric instantaneous hot water heaters, such as heat pumps or solar panels.
Water heaters that are sold in Australia do not have to be labelled with an Energy Rating Label. The industry manages the energy label for gas water heaters and it is not regulated by the government.
Off-Peak Tariff
To reduce electricity costs, electric storage systems can be switched on to an off-peak tariff. However, this does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Water is only heated in the off-peak periods when energy prices are lower.
