If there is anything positive that has emerged out of the awareness that humankind is severely impacting the environment in so many ways, it’s the way that people are realizing that there will always be a more eco-friendly way of doing anything.
From taking reusable bags when shopping (instead of having your items placed in plastic bags), to going around town in a bicycle (rather than driving everywhere in your car), to preparing meatless meals a few times each week (instead of serving meat every time the family sits down to dinner), people are now actively taking steps to become a little kinder to the planet and its creatures, even in the simplest of ways.
For many, the decision to lead a more sustainable lifestyle begins at home. It helps to take a look at activities that involve the entire household and to assess how these can be modified to become greener.
In Australia, for example, 25% of a household’s total energy use goes to heating water. If a family can find a more efficient way of getting the hot water they need every day, then they can make a significant impact on the environment — and enjoy a few other benefits as well.
Is it time to take a second look at your home’s hot water system? Here’s some helpful information to get you started.
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What types of hot water systems are available?
Generally, there are two basic systems found in most homes. You may have either a storage water heater (where the water is heated and stored in an insulated tank) or a continuous flow system (where no storage tank is provided and the water is heated only when you need it).
The water can be heated using a variety of energy sources: coal or wood, natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, or solar.
Electric hot water systems are used by about half of all Australian households. However, conventional electric systems are not necessarily the most cost- and energy-efficient to run, and in addition, they emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases into the environment.
For households seeking a more sustainable plumbing alternative, it’s worth giving solar hot water systems a closer look.
What about solar hot water systems?
If your home is in an especially sunny location, then solar hot water systems may be an ideal choice.
Here’s a brief glimpse into how this system works:
- Solar collectors (these can either be evacuated tube solar collectors or flat plate solar collectors) absorb energy from the sun. The collectors will be typically located on the roof of the house so that these can collect the optimal amount of energy.
- The collected solar energy is used to heat water, and the water is stored in an insulated tank for when your family will use it.
- Take note that solar hot water systems are not designed to provide 100% of a household’s hot water needs. Because there are cloudy days that will only yield a limited amount of solar energy, or days when the household uses up a greater amount of hot water, the solar hot water system can only mostly provide about 50% to 90%. As such, the system will usually come with either a gas or an electric booster that can provide the rest of the household’s hot water needs on these days.
- The booster will be automatically switched on when the water temperature in the insulated tank reads below the thermostat setting; once the right temperature is reached, the booster will also automatically turn off.
What makes choosing solar hot water systems a good idea?
1. You’ll have lower energy bills
Since the system harvests energy from the sun and only makes use of the gas- or electricity-powered booster in certain situations, you can expect a significant reduction in your energy bills.
Keep in mind that solar hot water systems may be more expensive upfront than conventional gas or electric systems. However, the upfront cost can be recovered faster throughout the system’s lifespan thanks to low running costs.
2. You’ll be using a renewable energy resource
If you live in a part of Australia that receives lots of warmth and sunshine for most of the year, then you have an abundant source of energy for heating water that will not put a strain on the country’s environment and resources.
3. You’ll be producing less greenhouse gases
Gas and electric hot water systems produce about 20% of a single household’s total greenhouse gas emissions. If you are committed to making changes around the house to make yours a greener, eco-friendlier household, then utilizing solar energy for your hot water is a good step to take.
Getting a solar hot water system is a very good choice, specifically if you live in a location that enjoys plenty of sunlight and steady warm temperatures, or if you have a big family, as the costs will be spread out and recovered faster when there are more people using the system.
Consult reputable solar hot water plumbers in Melbourne to find out if this system is recommended for your home, and start leading a greener lifestyle today.
AUTHOR BIO
Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.