Gas Storage
Gas storage tank units heat a volume of water which is controlled by a thermostat.
When the water has been heated to a desired temperature the thermostat will turn off the gas and when the hot water is being used the thermostat will automatically ignite the gas burner to heat the stored water back to the required temperature.
Tanks are well insulated to hold the heated water for longer periods
Gas Instantaneous
Instantaneous gas hot water delivers hot water to taps when it is required. As a hot tap is turned on the gas burner will ignite and heat the water going through a heat exchanger then deliver hot water through the taps that have been turned on. When the taps have been turned off the gas burner will automatically turn off simultaneously.
Instantaneous gas hot water are very compact making for a neat & tidy installation. They save you space around the house and also save you money as they can come in a 5,6 & 7 energy star rating.
Electric Storage
An electric storage hot water unit is a tank which stores a volume of water and is connected to an electrical power outlet and uses electric energy to heat the water. The electrical element heats the stored water through a thermostat which will automatically turn on and off as it is needed.
Electric storage water tanks come in different sizes from 25ltrs to 400ltrs. They can also be wired up on a day rate tariff to gain from electric solar panels if available
Heat Pump
Heat pump technology has advanced over the years. The most common heat pump is the compact design which accommodates for a neat and cost effective installation. A heat pump is more efficient to operate compared to a standard electric water heater as it simply uses less power/energy when in operation.
A heat pump absorbs heat energy from the air and uses it to heat the water inside the tank. Outside air is drawn in through the evaporator by a fan. The evaporator uses the heat from the air ad vaporises the refrigerant which is then compressed raising refrigerant temperature it becomes a hot gas. The hot gas then flows through a heating coil where it releases heat into the water in the tank.
Government incentives apply when replacing a gas or electric storage tank with a Heat pump hot water unit
Solar
Solar hot water is a very efficient way of heating water. Solar panels or tubes are used to absorb heat from the sun which is then either pumped or thermo-syphoned through a tank which can either be gas/electric or wood fired combustion boosted if needed. The pump is controlled by a sensor which is installed into the panel system which will turn the pump on when the water temperature in the tank is colder than the panel temperature. The pump will stop circulating water through the panel system when the water in the tank reaches temperature.
A solar tank will require a booster in the means of gas, electricity or solid fuel when there is insufficient sunlight or overcast days. Solar panels are fitted with frost valves to protect them from frosty mornings
Electric Instantaneous
Electric instantaneous hot water units are fully electric and come in a single or three phase. They heat water only when it is required and when a hot tap is turned on. The unit will automatically turn off when a hot tap has been turned off. They are a very compact unit which makes for a very tidy/neat installation and also are very silent when in use.