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Gas or Solar Hot Water System: How to choose the best option for your home

Whether you are moving into a brand new house and looking at hot water systems for the first time or you are in search of a replacement for a system that is not working as efficiently as it should, choosing the right hot water system for your home is very important. Getting the wrong system could result in a less than optimum performance, so knowing what you’re getting matters.

If you don’t know where to begin with hot water systems, we are on hand to help. This short guide will give you a glimpse into the difference between gas and solar hot water systems, how they compare, and how you can choose the best option for your home.

Gas systems

A natural gas hot water system is one of the most affordable options around, as well as being incredibly efficient. They have been the leading replacement for energy inefficient electric hot water systems, but whether or not you can have one in your house depends on if you have access to gas on your property.

Solar hot water systems

When it comes to leaving less of an impact on the planet, a solar hot water system is an excellent choice. They work by placing collectors on your roof which help to convert the energy provided from the shining sun to heat your water. Hot water will shift to the top of your tank and you will have a good supply of hot water. This type of system is especially popular in hot weather climates, such as our own in much of Australia.

Which is right for your home?

Deciding which is the correct choice for your home is very personal; no two homes are the same, so no two hot water systems are! You should consider how many people live in your home, as smaller homes (of one to three people) can usually work with a solar system, whereas larger households with higher water requirements should opt for a gas system.

You will also need to think about how much space you’ve got on your property and where you can install your hot water system, especially with a solar collector, as you will need roof space that faces north to get the best of the sun. If you don’t have this, a gas system will provide you with more hot water.

Perhaps the most important factor comes down to budget. A solar system requires more of an initial outgoing but can save you more money over time. If you have this initial budget to purchase a solar system, it can be a great investment.

However, a gas system is cheaper if you need a more affordable option instantly, which is often the case with hot water system replacements.