Browse Forums Heating, Cooling & Insulation Re: Hot Water Systems - unsure of which one to get... 6Nov 01, 2008 4:01 pm msja Hi, I'm hoping to gain feedback or knowledge on Hot Water Systems - Types and Brands on what would be suitable for my home - which I am currently renovating and looking at replacing my Electric Hot Water System First choice was: Gas Storage Tanks Second choice was: Heat Pump Third choice (and currently thinking seriously about): Solar Electric Boosted I would love to hear from anyone with comments/recommendations to assist me with trying to make my final decision. Depends on budget and what running costs you want. Solar is most green and will cut bills by half. Wood heater with wetback is greenest boost system. Gas boost is most expensive but most green friendly and will cut bills by a half. Electricity is cheaper but a little less green. Expect to take 5-10 years to pay off the extra cost of having one. Instantaneous gas is next best option in initial cost and running cost. Don't go with electricity. Pure storage heaters are inherently inefficient because of continued tank heat losses. You can heat with off-peak electricity tariff. Heat pump is a newer technology but has efficiencies closer to solar rather than instantaneous or storage. Read, http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/re ... system.pdf Thank you so much. We ended going with the terrain that’s part of our brick. 2 2544 Thanks Pulse, thats really helpful and very much appreciated. Also thanks for the pointer on sheathing, thats me watching too many american youtube videos! 6 2812 Depends how much direct sun it gets. Is there any shading (eaves or trees)? If the sun hits a window directly it doesn't matter too much if it's double or single… 1 12671 |