How does a storage hot water system work

This is one of the most common systems found in Australian households. Their simplistic design and the ability to be powered by either electricity or gas make them an easy choice for homeowners. Ease of use and fairly easy to maintain although these systems aren't as perfect as they seem.

Storage tank hot water system

Types of systems

Storage hot water systems come in two types, one being electrically heated and the other; being gas heating. When deciding on which system will better suit your home you must first establish whether there is gas already present on the property. It's no big deal if there isn't, it will just have an additional cost to have the gas fed to your home.

In order to determine what size hot water system you will need please refer to the below table.

• Family Size - 5+ People
• Demand - High
• Electric Usage/Litres - 120/450
• Gas Usage/Litres - 60-75/227-28

• Family Size - 5+ People
• Demand - Regular/Low
• Electric Usage/Litres - 80/284
• Gas Usage/Litres - 50/189

• Family Size - 3-4 People
• Demand - High
• Electric Usage/Litres - 80/284
• Gas Usage/Litres - 50-60/189-227

• Family Size - 3-4 People
• Demand - Regular/Low
• Electric Usage/Litres - 50/182
• Gas Usage/Litres - 40/151

• Family Size - 2-3 People
• Demand - High
• Electric Usage/Litres - 50/182
• Gas Usage/Litres - 50/189

• Family Size - 2-3 People
• Demand - Regular/Low
• Electric Usage/Litres - 50/182
• Gas Usage/Litres - 40/151

• Family Size - 1-2 People
• Demand - High
• Electric Usage/Litres - 50/182
• Gas Usage/Litres - 40/151

^{Please Note: The above table is to be used as a guide only and you should always consult with your local plumber or hot water expert before making your purchase.}

How do storage hot water systems heat your water?

Both systems work relatively the same way. The water is brought into the tank and heated by either element located in or around the tank, or by a burner located at the bottom of the tank. The water is kept at a constant >60°C to help stop the growth of Legionella as well as being readily available when you need hot water.

Inside diagram of an electric storage tank

Inside diagram of a gas storage tank

Pros and cons of storage hot water tanks

Pros first

• Storage tanks are able to give you hot water faster than other hot water systems
• The temperature of the water is constantly maintained whilst using the water
• Low upfront cost compared to other hot water systems on the market
• Some systems can be set to off-peak periods to help reduce energy consumption

Now cons

• Once out of hot water you will have to wait a while before it heats up again. Running out of hot water will usually happen whilst you are in the shower.
• These systems will require maintenance especially to keep an eye on the anode.
• Storage tank hot water systems take up a considerable amount of room compared to some other system types.
• Electric hot water systems are almost always the most expensive compared to other systems.
• The cost to run your system will fluctuate based on the price of electricity per kW or gas per MJ.

More information on hot water systems

If you would like to know how we can help to install a storage tank into your home then give us a call today on 0488 801 008 or alternatively you can fill in our online hot water booking form and one of our friendly staff will get back to you as soon as possible.