Get to Know Your Hot-Water System

Follow our tips to keep your energy costs down

INSTANTANEOUS HEATERS

How they work Turn on the hot-water tap of an instantaneous hot-water system and cold water flows straight into a small heating unit. The water is then heated by either an electric element or a gas burner, before flowing out the tap. These systems are considered more energy-efficient than storage systems that keep a tank of heated water on stand-by. Energy-saving tip Insulating the pipes leading from the heating unit will help improve efficiency. Maintenance All maintenance and repairs should be carried out by a licensed plumber.

STORAGE WATER HEATERS

How they work Hot-water storage systems, whether electric- or gaspowered, keep large volumes of heated water on stand-by in a storage tank. Make sure your tank is the right size for your needs. An oversized tank will waste energy storing hot water you won’t use. Energy-saving tip If it’s an older tank, wrap it in an insulation blanket to reduce heat-loss (modern tanks have built-in insulation). Maintenance Check regularly to ensure impurities in the water don’t cause the pressure relief valve to seize. To do so, lift the lever on the valve until water drains through the

discharge pipe.

SOLAR HOT WATER

How it works Solar hotwater systems use the Sun’s energy to heat a tank of water. Most are attached to either an electric- or gas-powered booster that kicks in when the solar collectors don’t collect enough energy to keep the water hot. Collectors made from evacuated glass tubes are highly efficient, but more expensive. Energy-saving tip When you go on holiday, remember to turn the booster off. Maintenance Check regularly for signs of scaling, corrosion and freezing in the unit. Contact a solar technician for all repairs.