A hot water system is a device for heating water that can be used in residential homes, commercial businesses (such as schools, offices, restaurants and hotels), and/or public buildings. The development of the hot water system is deeply rooted in human civilization, providing ‘even’ and consistent heat to food and drinking water.
Earliest of Hot Water Systems
For example, the earliest known hot water heating system was found in a Greek home that dates back to 300 BC. This early system drew hot water from a separate stove that burned coal. The Romans duplicated this system with wood-burning furnaces and made it available for bathing as well as heating drinking water.
First Hot Water Systems
The first modern domestic hot water systems were developed in France during the 16th century, where they were termed ‘re–thermalizers’. Early European settlers brought these systems to America at around this time. However, it wasn’t until 1820 that Boston engineer Jacob Perkins invented an improved domestic hot water system that used steam to heat boilers.
The Early Days of Hot Water Systems
By the 1920s, American homeowners were developing their own homemade hot water heating systems using gas or kerosene. It wasn’t until after World War II when the cost of oil fell and technical advancements made it possible for large-scale development of a cheap electric instant hot water heater. During this time, many other countries in Europe had developed advanced plumbing systems with readily accessible hot running water, which was then transferred into kitchens and bathrooms in American homes.
The plumbing business expanded quickly into commercial businesses where modern-day office buildings have also developed advanced piping infrastructure for drinking fountains and toilets in office settings. The development of the hot water system is now relevant, as it provides a ‘hot’ and consistent heat to food and drinking water.
Modern-day Hot Water Systems
Today there are three types of heating technologies that are used in current domestic hot water systems: electricity, natural gas, or propane. Electricity accounts for roughly 50% of all residential homes using a hot water system for heating purposes. Natural gas accounts for 2/3rds of residences with a hot water system involving propane makes up 1/3rd. Of commercial businesses, 97% have their own individual electric units while 3% have central boilers where businesses draw from one source of heated tap water.
Water Heater Price
In Australia, a typical hot water heater system installation can cost anywhere from $1000 to $7000. The tank itself may generally cost $700 with the average system consisting of a 150 litres tank. The installation of hot water systems can be tricky and includes all plumbing, electrical and gas connections required for their use.
However, once the initial investment has been made, hot water heater systems are relatively inexpensive to run without worrying about rotating costs or fluctuating energy bills on cold days. The major operating costs come from the usage of electricity and natural gas which is used to power appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. All these factors contribute to hot water heater systems being more efficient than older methods that rely on kettles and stovetops that may constantly be attended to in order to access hot water.
Gas Hot Water Systems Prices
For comparison, typical gas systems hot water system installation costs can be anywhere from $600 to $3000. The tank alone may generally cost about $500 and appliance costs may vary depending on factors such as running capacity, storage capacity and energy efficiency. Appliances that use less power are usually more expensive than those that use more power.
It is also important to consider the running costs of your appliances and the cost of electricity and gas in your area. Compare these to the initial price of a unit and then determine whether or not it may be more economical than standing over a stovetop for hot water every day
Running Cost Factors
Running costs factors such as where your household is, also affect the price of units because gas is sold at different prices in different geographical areas. For example, if you’re paying for your own household gas connection then it may take some time before you start to see reduced running costs and savings even if the unit itself is cheaper in the long run.
Hot Water Systems Prices
An electric hot water system installation costs can be anywhere from $800 to $8000, depending on your home. This is because the price of a unit may change depending on how much power it can hold and how efficient it is. The average household may usually use around 150 litres per day which often means that storage capacity may be factored in when choosing an electric system.
The average price of a hot water system installation for commercial businesses is around $800. This includes the cost of installing the unit itself which may vary depending on factors such as storage capacity and power output, but it also takes into account costs involved with plumbing, electrical connections, gas lines and installation.
Lacking Storage Space
If you do not have enough room in your unit for 13-15 kilowatt-hours (kWh) then you may need to purchase a more expensive model with additional capacity, with additional running costs in your home, but this depends on what size tank your home requires.
Electric Hot Water System Prices
When it comes to picking out the right system for your needs, you need to consider how much hot water you want, how much storage capacity your home requires and what kind of power output you actually need. The price is usually drawn in relation to these factors so they may be measured before considering installation costs
Electric hot water systems do not need any gas connection to your household, or installation, however, they are slightly more expensive than the average instant electric system. The initial purchase of these units may cost $500 or more, which includes everything you may need in order to get started however there is additional material that needs to be bought before you can install the item itself. If you are not proficient in this area then you could hire a professional to carry out the task for you since mistakes can be costly.
The Usual Amount
If you are looking into buying a hot water system then $700 is usually sufficient for purchasing an average-sized tank with gas or electric systems being slightly more expensive than their electric counterparts. As always though, there are slight variations in pricing depending on where you live and who is installing your unit(s). For example. If you require additional appliances make sure they come included within the installation cost or else the price may be higher. These things are usually added on when installing a unit with appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines being the most common.
The Average Price
The average price of electric how water heaters installation is $1500-$2000 depending on factors such as capacity, power output, supply and size. Generally speaking, you could expect to pay around $1000 for a tank system with additional expenses being added for plumbing, gas fitting and electrical connection fees. Gas systems are slightly cheaper than their electric counterparts at around $650 but this can fluctuate depending on where you live and how much natural gas costs in your area.
New Hot Water System
Brand new water heaters usually come with a warranty of around 12-24 months which covers any system faults. If your water heater breaks down during this time then the manufacturer may usually cover all or part of the fix, but warranties may vary depending on the water heaters model. In addition to this, some gas cylinder hot water heaters have a ‘safety switch’ installed which turns the system off if there’s not enough natural gas in your tank. These safety switches cost around $80 and can save you from potential damages.
Manufacturers of water heaters usually provide basic installation services for buyers who purchased their products new and want to install them themselves rather than having someone else do it for them. Water heater installation may be carried out by properly trained professionals, however, whether they are sent to your house or you take the unit to them. In most cases, the water heaters installation may include an initial inspection of your tank and a quote of how much it may cost to install, but there’s no way to be 100% sure since some installers may not have the same standards as others.
Hot Water System Cost
As a general rule of thumb, the average cost of a replacement itself is around $320-$500+ for smaller water heaters, but this can greatly vary depending on where you live and how difficult your install might be.
Installation cost varies from state to state so it is important to understand that there are usually different standards of service across borders however you could be able to expect a properly installed unit to last around 10 years before needing a replacement. Of course, if you install your own hot water systems then the cost is going to be significantly reduced, but the room for error may be marginally bigger.
Instant Electric Hot Water System Prices
As a rule of thumb always go for something which has the highest possible energy efficiency rating you can find. How hot water systems work is that the cheaper ones operate at a lower energy efficiency rating and as a result can cost more money over time since they consume more energy.
Instant electric hot water systems in Australia cost anywhere between $500-$2000 depending on the brand, model and how many litres it has. These systems are usually cheaper because they do not need a tank but rather an instant electric heater inside the unit itself.
Hot Water Service Prices
Hot water service prices are pretty similar to the ones for hot water installations so it is always best to contact your local gas fitter or plumber for advice. The price depends on a few factors and how long the job may take to complete.
Hot Water Service Price Australia
In Australia, professional hot water service could cost you more than $150-$250 however the price may fluctuate depending on factors such as region and if there are additional materials that need to be bought or not. If something breaks down which needs fixing then it is best to get a quote from your local specialist so that you know how much exactly it may cost.
Electric Hot Water Unit Cost
Of course, using electric hot water systems in your household is considerably cheaper than gas water heaters, but they also tend to take up more space which means that it’s best to see if there’s enough room in your kitchen or bathroom before you go ahead and buy it.
Electric hot water units cost anywhere between $500-$2000+ depending on the manufacturer, model, energy efficiency rating and how much water it can potentially heat up at a time.
Solar or Heat Pump Water Heaters
If you are looking for a very cheap and effective solution then using a solar or heat pump system is the way to go. Solar hot water systems and heat pumps can cost anywhere between $1500-$3000 however they do not last as long as their gas hot water systems. Heat pumps and solar hot water systems require lots of maintenance to keep them in shape.
