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Today, a variety of hot water systems are available from which you can select. Before you can decide to size, you need to choose the type of hot water system you need from electric, gas and solar-powered, and select storage tank or instantaneous hot water system. Well, it can get a bit confusing when it comes to selecting the right hot water system for your household. So we have come up with this blog to help you narrow down the right-sized hot water system for your home.
Hot Water System: What Size is Right for my Household?
Let’s look at the different hot water systems and their sizing. Consider a few things to make a final decision concerning the option that will best suit your household’s needs.
Storage Hot Water Units
Storage hot water units sized according to the number of people in a household. Thus, more people living in your home will necessitate a bigger storage tank hot water system.
Instantaneous/ Continuous Flow Hot Water Units
Instantaneous/ continuous flow hot water units sized depending on how many hot water outlets you have within your home. With an increase in outlets within your home, the bigger the system you will need.
Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar hot water systems are similar to the storage of hot water unit; the size of the solar system based on the number of persons living in your household.
Some Essential Pointers
- One person will need around 49 litres of hot water a day.
- If you have a storage system that is too small, then you will always have inadequate hot water!
- Conversely, if you have a storage system that is too large, then it will cost you dearly as it will heat and store water that you won’t be using.
- However, if you have a small continuous flow system, then you won’t be able to operate multiple hot water outlets, at the same time.
Some crucial questions you need to ask yourself when determining the size of your hot water system:
- How many people live in your house?
- What quantity of water your family uses approximately?
- When does hot water use reach its peak?
- Do your household use a dishwasher?
- When does everyone in your family love to take a shower – morning or evening hours?
- Is it cold or hot water that your washing machine uses?
Tables Will Help You to Determine the Right Size for Your Hot Water Unit
Whether you prefer electric, gas or solar-powered hot water unit, the below tables will help you to determine the right-size of the hot water system for your household.
Natural Gas and LPG Water Heaters
| Storage | Continuous Flow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Number of persons |
Capacity (litres) |
Number of outlets served at one time* |
Flow rate (litres per minute) |
|
1-3 |
90 |
1 |
16 |
|
2-4 |
130 |
2 |
20 |
|
3-5 |
170 |
2-3 |
24 |
|
4-6 |
200 |
3+ |
32 |
|
5-9 |
260 |
– |
– |
*Instantaneous/ continuous flow systems are sized per the required flow rate. However, consult the manufacturers or suppliers for detailed sizing guidelines for their products.
Electric Storage Hot Water Systems
| Off-Peak Rate | Peak Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Number of persons |
Capacity (litres) |
Number of persons |
Capacity (litres) |
|
1-3 |
160 |
1 |
25 |
|
2-4 |
250 |
1-2 |
50 |
|
3-6 |
315 |
2-3 |
80 |
|
5-8 |
400 |
3-5 |
125 |
Solar Hot Water Systems
| Number of persons | Hot water delivery (litres per day) | Approx size of the tank (litres) | Collector (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1-2 |
120 |
180 |
2 |
|
3-4 |
200 |
300/p> |
4 |
|
5-6 |
300 |
440 |
6 |
Recommended Hot Water Systems for Different Households
Solar hot water systems are the ideal alternative for most households of varying sizes; besides, they are most efficient and inexpensive to operate. If the solar heater is not the right option for your home, then here are some suggestions depending on the different household sizes:
- A household consisting of 1-2 People: An electric or gas instantaneous unit is the perfect alternative. Besides, a small storage hot water gas system will be ideal.
- Household of 3-4 People: A gas hot water system with a storage tank or continuous flow hot water system will work fine. Alternatively, a heat pump hot water system would be an excellent choice.
- Household of More Than 5 People: A gas storage hot water system would make a fantastic choice because they are frugal. Besides, a big heat pump unit is also an option along with instantaneous (any type) hot water system that you can find.
What is the Ideal Hot Water System for a Family of Four Members?
- Gas Hot Water: A gas storage tank of around 130–180L; besides, you’ll also find continuous flow gas hot water system alternatives.
- Electric Hot Water: A storage tank of about 120–165L for an instantaneous electric hot water system. Alternatively, 245–320L unit for off-peak hours.
- Heat Pump Hot Water: A storage tank of around 265-320L for heat pump unit.
- Solar Hot Water: Approximately, 4-square metres of solar collector area (with two panels) and about 310–370L storage tank.
Your Trusted & Reliable Hot Water Specialists
If you want to clear your concerns regarding hot water unit size, or would like to speak to our team for hot water issues you’re experiencing or hot water installation – Call Sydney Plumbing on 0402 487 444, and we would be delighted to help you. Get in touch with us for all your hot water system needs. With years of industry experience under our belt, we can provide you with the best guidance for installing brand-new hot water system of reputed brands, and provide hot water unit replacements and hot water system repairs.
