“What size electric hot water system do I need?” This is a question we hear often at Botanical Plumbing. We get it, choosing the right hot water system can seem like a bit of a hassle. Not only do you need to choose the best type of hot water system for you, but also the right size. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when choosing the size of your hot water system.
Questions to ask
How much water do you need?
The right capacity and volume of the electric hot water system will depend on the number of people living in the household and how much water is used at peak times.
In short, you need to look at two separate factors:
- The volume of the tank
- The capacity it can deliver at peak times
How’s the energy rating?
When choosing the right electric hot water system, it’s not as simple as size. Make sure you look at the energy-efficiency star rating too. Heating water can use up to 35% of the average Queensland household’s energy, so it pays off to choose well. An energy-efficient system will save you money in the long-run. Especially in Queensland, solar-assisted electric hot water systems are becoming increasingly popular to further cut long-term costs.
How much space do you have?
You also need to make sure you have sufficient physical space for the electrical hot water system. The tank itself requires space, as well as space on either side and somewhere excess water can run off to. If you’re planning to get a solar electrical-boosted system, you need to make sure you have enough space for the panels on the north-facing side of your roof.
Electric hot water system sizing table
Use this table as a rough guide to what size electric hot water system you will need based on the number of people in your household.
Off-peak
| Number of people served | Capacity (litres) |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | 160 |
| 2-4 | 250 |
| 3-6 | 315 |
| 5-8 | 400 |
Peak-rate
| Number of people served | Capacity (litres) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 25 |
| 1-2 | 50 |
| 2-3 | 80 |
| 3-5 | 125 |
Source: Choosing a hot water system, Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria, 2002.
If you need help choosing the right size electrical hot water system for you, we can help. Our hot water system installation service comes with free, no-obligation consultations. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable plumbers today.
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