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Introduction to hot water system sizing

Choosing the correct size for a hot water system is crucial for its efficient performance.

Our team at Bankstown Plumbing specialises in customising hot water solutions to fit the varied needs of Bankstown and Sydney homes.

Both scenarios lead to inconveniences and inefficiencies.

This scenario forces family members to take cold showers, revealing the limitations of your water heater during peak usage. Selecting the right size for your hot water system helps minimise operating costs and guarantees enough hot water during peak times.

Choosing a hot water system involves understanding the specific sizing requirements of the various types, such as storage tanks that must be sized according to daily demand. Our expert plumbers can evaluate and advise on the ideal hot water heater size for you.

Tankless water heaters have a specified flow rate in litres per minute, while advanced heat pump systems adjust heating intelligently to meet different usage needs.

Calculating your household’s hot water usage

In sizing a hot water system, you must account for your household’s daily usage expectations. The average person uses approximately 50 litres of water per day for basic needs. To estimate your household’s total hot water usage, simply multiply 50 litres by the number of people in your home.

However, actual usage can fluctuate based on factors such as:

  • The number and length of showers taken
  • How often laundry and dishwashers are run
  • Peak usage times when multiple people are using hot water simultaneously

As a general guide, here are some typical hot water requirements for common household activities:

  • Shower: 10 - 25 litres per minute
  • Hand basin: 2 - 4 litres
  • Kitchen sink: 8 - 12 litres
  • Dishwasher cycle: 15 - 30 litres
  • Washing machine cycle: 50 - 150 litres

By tracking your home’s specific daily water use, we at Bankstown Plumbing can recommend a hot water system of suitable size to meet your needs without energy or financial waste.

Peak usage times and patterns

Considering peak usage times is crucial in sizing a hot water system to meet your needs effectively. These high-demand periods, often in the morning as everyone is showering and preparing for the day or in the evenings when family members are bathing, require the system to output enough hot water to avoid running out.

During peak periods, demand can spike with multiple hot water outlets in use at once. Activities like using the washing machine, dishwasher, or sink may also overlap. The system needs to be able to cope with the maximum expected flow rates during these condensed periods of use.

At Bankstown Plumbing, our skilled plumbers will factor in peak water demand to identify the best hot water system for your needs. Instant hot water systems specify a maximum flow rate, which needs to exceed the highest simultaneous demand. Pipe adjustments to enhance system capacity can also help maintain a continuous supply of hot water during high-demand periods.

For households with set morning and evening routines, larger hot water unit systems can offer the required water supply. These hot water tank systems can store heated water so ample hot water is on hand even during peak draw, offering reliable performance that a properly sized system can deliver.

Understanding your family’s peak hot water usage is key to selecting the right system that fits perfectly from the start. This saves you money by avoiding unnecessary upgrades down the track while delivering reliable hot water whenever you need it.

Factors that influence hot water demand

Several critical factors influence a household’s hot water demand and should be considered when selecting a system:

  • Household size - More individuals mean a higher demand for hot water, especially during peak times.
  • Bathrooms - Simultaneous use of multiple bathrooms necessitates a dependable hot water supply.
  • Appliances - Use of washing machines, dishwashers and other hot water appliances impacts demand.
  • Peak times - Mornings and evenings often have overlapping usage from showers and other tasks.
  • Flow rates - Higher flow shower heads, taps and appliances require greater hot water volumes.
  • Lifestyle - Households with more frequent hot water needs influence optimal sizing.

By comprehending these factors in your home, our experts assist in choosing hot water systems that size your household needs, ensuring efficiency without excessive energy costs.

Comparing hot water system types

When selecting a type hot water system in Bankstown, the main categories to consider are:

Electric Storage

Electric hot water system units use electric heating elements to warm water held in an insulated tank.

Electric storage units are affordable to install but tend to have higher operating costs. Larger tanks, whether electric gas hybrids or dedicated systems, can supply peak demand but waste energy reheating unused water.

Gas Storage

Gas hot water systems can use natural gas burners for heating water efficiently. Gas heaters recover faster than electric during peak times.

Gas is generally more economical than electricity for most areas, leading to lower running costs and cost-effective water temperature control. Tanks range from small to large, like electric systems, to match usage needs.

Solar Hot Water

Solar water heating systems use free energy from the sun to heat water. Solar collectors harnessing solar heat on your roof connect to an insulated tank water heater. Provides around 60-90% of hot water needs annually.

Solar hot water systems are well-suited for the Bankstown climate but require electric or gas backup during cloudy periods for consistent energy efficiency.

Heat Pump

Heat pump hot water systems efficiently produce hot water by extracting heat from the surrounding air or sunlight in certain models. This makes them over 3 times more energy efficient than conventional electric units. Smart inverter heat pump models modulate based on hot water demand. Lower running costs than electric or gas.

With our extensive expertise, Bankstown Plumbing assists homeowners in identifying the best hot water system suited for the water system your home requires and budget.

Selecting the storage tank capacity

When installing a storage hot water system, properly sizing the storage tank is critical to meet your household’s peak demand without wasting energy or money. The tank capacity is measured in litres, with common residential models ranging from 50L up to 400L.

As a general rule of thumb, allow about 50 litres of storage per person in your home. For instance, a family of four would generally be well-served by a 200-litre tank. As a general rule of thumb, allow about 50 litres of storage per person in your home.

You should also consider peak usage when selecting tank capacity.

During peak periods, combined flow rates from showers, taps, and appliances could exceed 50 litres per minute. Select a gas storage hot water heater that delivers at least 1.5x your calculated peak demand based on the first hour rating. This guarantees an adequate hot water supply even during the busiest usage times.

At Bankstown Plumbing, our experts take the guesswork out of storage tank sizing. We assess your household’s unique requirements and recommend the right system to deliver endless hot water without overspending on unnecessary capacity. Contact us today to size your new hot water storage tank.

Installing and maintaining your hot water system

Proper installation is crucial for getting the most efficient performance from the hot water system your dwelling requires. At Bankstown Plumbing, our licenced technicians ensure your system is correctly fitted and connected, catering to the needs of the people your household per manufacturer specifications.

We also provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your hot water system runs smoothly for years to come. This includes:

  • Inspecting valves, pipes and connections for leaks
  • Checking electric elements and thermostats
  • Replacing anode rods in storage tanks
  • descaling solar collectors and servicing heat pumps
  • Servicing heat pump systems includes cleaning filters and ensuring they’re pumping water effectively
  • Tuning gas burners for optimal efficiency
  • Monitoring system health and performance to prevent unexpected water supply issues

Regular upkeep by our specialists extends the lifespan of your hot water system. We only use genuine spare parts to ensure compatibility and safety. Contact Bankstown Plumbing to book your annual tune-up.

When to call a professional plumber

As plumbing experts who have seen it all, we at Bankstown Plumbing know there are scenarios involving different types hot water systems when it’s crucial to call a professional rather than attempting DIY repairs.

Signs it’s time to pick up the phone include:

  • When installing a new hot water system, efficient performance relies on proper setup, ensured by our licensed professionals.
  • Upgrading to the properly sized hot water system is essential, and we can recommend the ideal unit for your home’s demands.
  • Routine hot water system maintenance - Regular servicing prolongs the life of your system. We inspect anodes, descale solar panels, clean filters, check thermostats and more.
  • Faulty hot water system operation - Issues like leaking valves, erroneous codes or boiling water point to malfunctions. We troubleshoot and repair all hot water system brands and models.
  • Burst pipes or water leaks - Left unresolved, leaks can cause severe property damage. We locate the source and rectify any pipe or tap leaks promptly.

For reliable Bankstown plumbing services, contact our friendly team on 1300 349 338 or jobs@bankstownplumbingservices.com.au.

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