Choosing the right hot water system for your home is a decision that you should spend some time thinking about. The decision is important, as it will impact on your energy bills for years to come. You want to make sure you choose a model that will save you money and run more efficiently. Depending on the type of system you decide on, you may also be able to get some incentives to lower the cost.
Hot water systems can be used to heat your water with a variety of energy sources. Some of the most common are solar powered, gas and electric. Those who are concerned about green building should choose a high performance solar system, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar collectors are designed to trap the heat of the sun and raise the temperature of the water. These collectors can be either open or closed circuit. The hot water systems collectors are less efficient if installed in cold weather, since they are only at their maximum efficiency when the sun is shining on them.
Storage water heaters are another popular choice. These units are typically made of glass lined steel or copper, and can be connected to a gas or electric system. They are rated to hold a certain amount of water, and their warranties vary between 5 and 10 years. They usually have a sacrificial anode, which must be replaced every few years. They can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) describes the design requirements for boilers. They must be fire rated, have safety valves, and have a low water cutoff. They are controlled by thermostats, which allow you to adjust the temperature of the water to meet your needs. These controls are standard features on new boilers.
Some people choose to use a heat pump. These units can be installed in warmer climates, and can produce very little greenhouse gas emissions. However, installing a heat pump can be expensive. In addition, the installation requires a well-ventilated area for the system to operate properly. It can also be noisy, so if you live in an apartment, you might not be able to install it.
Some hot water systems use a gas burner, and can be either instantaneous or continuous flow. In addition, some systems use a heat pump to circulate the water through plastic tubing in the floor. Some systems use a storage tank to store hot water, and carry it around the property through an outlet pipe. A hot water storage tank must be heated to a minimum of 60degC. If you have stored water that is below this temperature, it must be heated to this level for at least 35 minutes before being used.
Mains pressure unvented systems are connected to the incoming water supply and have a pressure of 1.5 to 1.8 bar. This type of system provides good water pressure, as well as a high water flow rate. Those that are built with a single pipe can increase the head pressure of the system, thereby increasing the flow of water.