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A storage tank hot water system uses an insulated cylinder to heat and store water for household use. Electric models heat the water with internal elements, while gas units use a burner and flue. Solar systems may rely on solar energy alone or combine solar collectors with a gas or electric booster to ensure hot water is always available.

An instantaneous hot water system heats water on demand without a storage tank. When a tap is turned on, water passes through the unit and is heated instantly. This provides unlimited hot water without the recovery delays of a storage tank. These systems are usually compact and can be wall mounted inside or near the point of use.

A geothermal system, also known as a ground source heat pump, uses stable underground temperatures to heat or cool a home and provide hot water. Pipes buried underground circulate a fluid that absorbs or rejects heat.

A home fuel cell system is a compact unit that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction, typically using hydrogen or natural gas. The process produces heat as a by-product, which can be harnessed to supply hot water to the home. This integration of power generation and water heating offers a dual benefit, making it an appealing option for energy-conscious homeowners.

Heat pump hot water systems extract heat from the surrounding air to warm your water supply, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric and gas storage systems. They are especially useful where gas reticulation or rooftop solar collectors are not viable.

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) hot water systems operate similarly to natural gas systems but use bottled gas as a fuel source. They’re commonly used in homes without access to mains gas and can also serve as boosters for solar hot water systems.

Solar boosted (or hybrid) hot water systems use the sun's energy to heat water and incorporate a gas or electric booster to ensure consistent hot water delivery regardless of weather or seasonal conditions. These systems offer long-term energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Electric hot water systems are simple, reliable and widely available, but also among the least energy-efficient options. Due to their high running costs and environmental impact, they are generally recommended only when other energy sources (gas, solar or heat pump) are not viable.

For decades, natural gas has been a popular choice for Australian households, powering hot water systems, heating appliances and kitchen cooktops. However, the energy landscape in Australia is shifting rapidly.

Choosing the right hot water system is one of the most important decisions when building or renovating a home. It impacts your household energy use, comfort, running costs and carbon footprint. With a wide range of technologies available, from traditional electric storage tanks to heat pumps and solar systems, knowing what suits your home, climate and budget is key.