What Type of Gas Hot Water System Should You Choose During Your Renovation?

If you are looking at the hot water system in your home and considering a replacement, you know that there are many options. You can choose electric or gas, of course, but will need to think about delivery as well and crucially, how much water you need and when. In this situation, should you choose a storage solution or a system that is based on continuous flow? What are the pros and cons?

Current Configuration

To begin with, look at the current configuration. If your home has been set up for a specific type of hot water system and has the plumbing in place for that reason and things have been working relatively well, then you may want to stick with a similar solution. While you could choose to start with a completely clean sheet, you may not achieve your ultimate goal based on your everyday needs.

Tank-Based

A static tank-based system can, typically, deliver a lot more water at your peak moment of consumption. If you have a number of different shower rooms and a relatively large family, then they may all need hot water at the same time. In this case, you may find it difficult to beat this solution. Ideally, however, you should have enough room outside for the tank as it does take up a lot of space.

Continuous Flow

If, on the other hand, you have a relatively small household or your children have recently flown the nest, then you may not need such a large storage cylinder. Here, you could look at a continuous flow heater as this is a much more compact solution, and it can work on either liquid petroleum gas or natural. Again, bear in mind the hot water delivery rate. Each unit is rated according to how many litres it can deliver in a given minute, and if you have many people in the shower at the same time, they may undoubtedly complain.

Some people do choose to fit more than one continuous flow system in strategic places around the home, but this can certainly add to the renovation cost and may not be entirely practical.

Expert Advice

Talk with your plumber about your current needs. They will have a look at the configuration of your home at the moment and recommend the best solution. No matter what you choose, you'll be happy with the practicality of a gas hot water system as part of your home renovation. Ask them about specific brands, too, like Rheem Stellar water heaters.