Ultimate JR Water Heater Buying Guide

Solar hot water systems are designed to utilize the energy from the sun to heat water. They are an environmentally friendly option that can provide a reliable source of hot water for your home. When purchasing a solar hot water system, consider the following factors:

Location: Solar hot water systems require an adequate amount of sunlight to work effectively. Ensure that the system is installed in a location that gets plenty of direct sunlight.

Size: The size of the hot water system is important, as you don't want to have too small of a system that won't meet your hot water needs, or too big of a system that's too expensive. Consider the size of your family, the hot water usage patterns and the climate of your area.

Cost: Solar hot water systems can be more expensive than other hot water systems, but they are more cost-effective over the long-term because they use free energy from the sun.

Efficiency: Look for a system with a high level of efficiency, as this will result in lower energy costs and a more reliable supply of hot water.

Cost-effective: Solar hot water systems have no ongoing fuel costs and can reduce energy bills significantly in the long run.

Environmentally friendly: Solar hot water systems do not produce greenhouse gas emissions and rely on a renewable source of energy - the sun.

Reliable: Solar hot water systems are low maintenance and reliable as they have few moving parts.

Advantages of Solar Hot Water Systems

• Reliable hot water supply: Storage electric hot water systems store hot water in a tank, so you have a constant supply, regardless of how much hot water you need.
• Energy-efficient: Newer storage electric hot water systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, which can help reduce your energy bills.
• Low maintenance: Storage electric hot water systems are low-maintenance, requiring only annual servicing.

Disadvantages of Solar Hot water Systems

• Initial cost: Solar hot water systems can be expensive to install and may require additional components such as a booster or backup system.
• Dependent on weather: Solar hot water systems may not be suitable in areas with low sun exposure or cloudy weather conditions.
• Storage capacity: Solar hot water systems have limited storage capacity and may require a booster or backup system to provide hot water during periods of low sun exposure.

Electric hot water systems are a common choice for many households, as they are relatively inexpensive to install and easy to maintain. When purchasing an electric hot water system, consider the following factors:
Capacity: Electric hot water systems come in a variety of sizes, so consider the size of your household and the amount of hot water you need.

Energy Efficiency: Look for a system that is energy-efficient, as this will result in lower energy costs and a more reliable supply of hot water.

Cost: Electric hot water systems are typically less expensive than other hot water systems, but they can be more expensive to run over the long-term.

Advantages of Electric Hot Water Systems

• Reliable hot water supply: Storage electric hot water systems store hot water in a tank, so you have a constant supply, regardless of how much hot water you need.
• Energy-efficient: Newer storage electric hot water systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, which can help reduce your energy bills.
• Low maintenance: Storage electric hot water systems are low-maintenance, requiring only annual servicing.

Disadvantages of Electric Hot Water Systems

• High upfront cost: Storage electric hot water systems can be expensive to purchase and install, making them less accessible for some households.
• Space-consuming: Storage electric hot water systems are bulky and take up a lot of space, so they might not be suitable for smaller homes or apartments.
• Energy-intensive: Although storage electric hot water systems are more energy-efficient than instant electric hot water systems, they still require a significant amount of energy to heat the water and maintain the temperature in the tank.

Heat pump hot water systems use the heat from the air or ground to heat water. They are an energy-efficient option that can provide a reliable source of hot water for your home. When purchasing a heat pump hot water system, consider the following factors:

Location: Heat pump hot water systems require a location with access to a source of heat, such as the air or ground.

Size: The size of the hot water system is important, as you don't want to have too small of a system that won't meet your hot water needs, or too big of a system that's too expensive. Consider the size of your family, the hot water usage patterns, and the climate of your area.

Cost: Heat pump hot water systems can be more expensive to install than other hot water systems, but they are more cost-effective over the long-term because they use free energy from the air or ground.

Efficiency: Look for a system with a high level of efficiency, as this will result in lower energy costs and a more reliable supply of hot water.

Advantages of a Heat Pump Hot Water System

• Energy efficient: Heat pump hot water systems are highly efficient and can reduce energy bills significantly compared to traditional hot water systems.
• Cost-effective: Heat pump hot water systems are cost-effective in the long run as they have low ongoing fuel costs.
• Environmentally friendly: Heat pump hot water systems do not produce greenhouse gas emissions.

Disadvantages of a Heat Pump Hot Water System

• Initial cost: Heat pump hot water systems can be expensive to install compared to traditional hot water systems.
• Dependent on weather: Heat pump hot water systems may not be suitable in areas with extreme weather conditions such as very cold temperatures.
• Maintenance: Heat pump hot water systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Storage gas hot water systems are the most traditional type of hot water system. They work by heating water in a storage tank, which can then be used for showers, baths, and other uses. The tank can be positioned inside or outside of your home, and the size of the tank will determine the amount of hot water you can use at one time.

Size: Storage gas hot water systems come in a range of sizes, from small 90L tanks to large 160L. The size of the tank you need will depend on the size of your household, the number of bathrooms you have, and the amount of hot water you use.

Cost: The cost of a storage gas hot water system will depend on the size of the tank and the brand you choose. On average, a gas storage hot water system can cost between $1200 and $2000, plus installation costs.

Efficiency: Gas storage hot water systems are less efficient than other types of hot water systems, as they use energy to keep the water in the tank hot even when it is not being used. However, they are still a cost-effective option for households that use a moderate amount of hot water.

Advantages of Storage Gas Hot Water Systems

• Cost Effective: Gas storage hot water systems are relatively cheap to purchase and install.
• Large Capacity: These systems are designed to store a large volume of hot water, making them suitable for households with multiple bathrooms and large families.
• Fast Recovery Time: Gas storage hot water systems have a fast recovery time, meaning they can quickly replenish hot water when it is depleted.

Disadvantages of Storage Gas Hot Water Systems

• Energy Inefficient: Storage gas hot water systems are not as energy efficient as other types of hot water systems, and this can lead to higher energy bills.
• Environmental Impact: Gas hot water systems generate greenhouse gas emissions that can contribute to climate change.
• Maintenance: Gas storage hot water systems require regular maintenance to ensure they are operating efficiently.

Instant gas hot water systems are also known as “continuous flow” hot water systems. Unlike storage gas hot water systems, they do not have a tank to store hot water. Instead, they heat water as it flows through the system, so you have a constant supply of hot water.

Size: Instant gas hot water systems are much smaller than gas storage hot water systems, as they do not have a tank. They can be installed inside or outside of your home, and can easily be concealed behind cabinets or walls.

Cost: The cost of a instant gas hot water systems will depend on the brand you choose, as well as the size of the unit. On average, a gas continuous flow hot water system can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, plus installation costs.

Efficiency: Gas continuous flow hot water systems are more efficient than gas storage hot water systems, as they only use energy to heat the water you need at the time. This means that they are a more cost-effective option for households that use a large amount of hot water.

Advantages of an Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

• Energy Efficient: Continuous flow hot water systems are very energy efficient as they only heat the water that is being used, reducing energy waste.
• Endless Supply of Hot Water: Continuous flow hot water systems provide an endless supply of hot water, making them ideal for large households.
• Space Saving: These systems are compact in size and do not require a bulky storage tank, freeing up valuable space in your home.

Disadvantages of an Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

• Cost: Continuous flow hot water systems are more expensive to purchase and install compared to gas storage hot water systems.
• Installation: Installation of a continuous flow hot water system can be complex and requires a professional plumber.
• Water Pressure: Instant Gas hot water systems rely on consistent water pressure, so if you have low water pressure, this system may not be suitable.

Instant electric hot water systems are an excellent option for small households or for those who have a low demand for hot water. These systems heat water as it passes through an electric element and provide hot water almost immediately.

Size: Instant electric hot water systems come in a range of sizes, from compact units that are designed to fit under the kitchen sink to larger units that can provide hot water for multiple bathrooms. When choosing the size of your hot water system, consider the number of people in your household, the size of your bathroom, and the amount of hot water you require.

Cost: Instant electric hot water systems are one of the most affordable options when it comes to purchasing a hot water system. They are easy to install, and the cost of installation is typically low. The cost of running an instant electric hot water system is also relatively low, making it an affordable option for those who are budget-conscious.

Efficiency: Instant electric hot water systems are highly efficient as they heat water on demand, so there is no need to store hot water in a tank. This reduces the amount of energy required to keep the hot water system running and makes it an efficient option for those who are environmentally conscious.

Advantages of Instant Electric Hot Water Systems

• Easy installation: Instant electric hot water systems are relatively easy to install and can be done by a DIY enthusiast or a licensed plumber.
• Cost-effective: Instant electric hot water systems are the most affordable option, making them an attractive choice for those on a budget.
• Space-saving: Instant electric hot water systems are compact and take up very little space, making them ideal for small homes or apartments.

Disadvantages of Instant Electric Hot Water Systems

• Limited hot water supply: Instant electric hot water systems can only heat water as you need it, so if you need hot water for multiple tasks at the same time, you might run out.
• High energy usage: Instant electric hot water systems can be quite energy-intensive, as they heat water as you need it.
• Shorter lifespan: The heating element in an instant electric hot water system can wear out over time, leading to a shorter lifespan for the system.