Solar Gas Boosted
Solar systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, so they are much better for the environment and cheaper to run.
Purchase costs
Installation costs
Running costs
CO2 Emissions
Pros
Utilises free energy from the sun
Reduced monthly gas bills
Government incentives can help offset part of the initial investment
Uses a continuous flow unit for a backup booster, which means you will never run out of hot water
Cons
Higher installation cost
Tank takes up more space than continuous flow units (units with roof mounted tanks are also available)
Less efficient in winter
Panels have to be installed on a north facing roof to maximise the efficiency of the sun
Gas storage
Gas Storage hot water units are available in 4 and 5 star. Cylinders can be made from stainless steel or vitreous enamel coated steel.
Purchase costs
Installation costs
Running costs
CO2 Emissions
Pros
Up front purchase costs are usually lower than other types of units
Lower installation costs with no upgrade of gas line required
Delivers hot water faster, as the water is stored ready for immediate use
5 star energy efficient models also available
Cons
Tank size takes up space
Heat loss from the tank, whether the water is being used or not
Not as energy efficient as a solar or continuous flow unit
Continuous flow
Continuous Flow hot water units use industry leading technologies to heat water as required, rather than storing it. This simply means they’ll never run out of hot water.
Purchase costs
Installation costs
Running costs
CO2 Emissions
Pros
Save space with small footprint mounted on your wall
They heat water as you need it, so you will never run out of hot water
Controllers can be installed to accurately deliver required water temperature
Cons
You may need to upgrade your gas line which can add to your upfront costs
Small amount of water (approx 1 to 2 litres) is wasted in initial delivery
No mains pressure
Takes longer to deliver hot water than a storage heater
Heat pump
Heat Pumps are one of the most efficient hot water systems and they are a more environmentally friendly alternative to straight Gas and Electric storage systems.
Purchase costs
Installation costs
Running costs
CO2 Emissions
Pros
Can be connected to extended (16hr) off peak tariffs
Ease of installation as a heat pump uses the similar connections as an electric hot water system and similar footprint
Takes heat from ambient air to heat water
Environmentally friendly
Cons
Can be noisy when operating
Suited to warmer climates
Solar electric boosted
Solar systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, so they are much better for the environment and cheaper to run.
Purchase costs
Installation costs
Running costs
CO2 Emissions
Pros
Utilises free energy from the sun
Reduced monthly electricity bills
Great for climates that receive a lot of sunshine
Government incentives can help offset part of the initial investment
Boosting element
Cons
Higher up front cost for equipment and installation
Less efficient in winter
Panels have to be installed on a north facing roof to maximise the efficiency of the sun
Electric storage
In Electric Storage hot water units, water is heated in an insulated tank by an electric element.
Purchase costs
Installation costs
Running costs
CO2 Emissions
Pros
Same footprint when replacing a like for like unit, saving money on replacement costs
Most affordable unit to purchase
Lower tariffs are often available, which will heat water during off-peak times
Cons
Rates as the highest when it comes to Co2 emissions.
When installed on an off peak tariff, high chance of running out of hot water during heavy load days. Water will not be reheated until over night