If you need a new water heater or are thinking of replacing your current hot water system, it is a good idea to consider which option is best for you. Water heaters come in different sizes to suit differing household needs, so selecting the right sized system is important for two key reasons:
- If your system is too small, you will often run out of hot water.
- If it’s too large, you may spend more than you should on your energy bills as the system heats and stores water you don’t use.
There is a range of sizes for different families and household applications including any smaller units to service kitchens and laundries. Before we look at some common household scenarios and explore which sizes are suitable, here is a quick overview of each hot water system:
- Electric storage water heater: Operates using an electric element(s), controlled by a thermostat, to heat water in the tank ready for immediate use.
- Gas storage water heater: Delivers hot water instantly as it stores a generous amount in the tank. It operates using a gas supply.
- Gas continuous flow water heater: Heats water when you need it, for as long as you need it. It requires both a gas and electrical connection.
- Electric continuous flow water heater: Designed for residential apartments and comes with adjustable temperature display to control the exact temperature at the tap. It operates using three-phase connections.
- Energy-efficient solar hot water: Absorbs energy from the sun’s rays and transfers it to your water. It is installed as either a roof-mounted or ground-mounted tank with collectors.
- Energy-efficient Heat Pump: Uses the heat from surrounding air to provide hot water.
Which size water heater is right for you?
Scenario: Tight spots with limited hot water demand
Electric storage water heater:
Smaller options, namely 25L, 47L, 50L and 80L, are perfect for tight spots where there is limited hot water demand. Examples include:
- Under kitchen bench
- Laundry
- Granny flats
Scenario: Household of 1-2 people
Renewable Hot Water Systems:
Rheem’s 160L or 180L capacity solar hot water systems, which help reduce water heating energy consumption and emissions, are suitable for 1-3 person households depending on the model installed.
However, different solar water heaters may be suited to different climates. Get in touch with Rheem today if you’re thinking of going solar to discuss the best option for your home.
For a two-person household, the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump water heater, one of Australia’s most powerful and efficient small integrated heat pumps, caters perfectly for the energy-conscious. The 178-litre system has similar connections to an electric water heater and requires no roof space.
Gas storage water heater:
A 90L gas storage water heater is a good option for a 1-2 person household, and is an easy and energy efficient replacement for most older, less efficient, gas water heaters when connected to a continuous tariff. However, if you have plans to grow your family or use a lot of hot water, a larger water heater is a more future-proof option. Be sure to speak to your plumber to find out more.
Gas Continuous Flow water heater:
A 12L system (delivers 12 litres per minute) is suitable for a one bathroom home and up to two people. Also, each of Rheem’s 12L options have a 6-star energy rating for greater energy efficiency.
Electric Continuous Flow water heater:
For a single bathroom, laundry, or kitchen in an apartment, the 18kW Rheem Eclipse Continuous Flow Electric Water Heater is an excellent option that provides as much hot water as you need, as long as you need it.
There are two models available: 50ᵒC and 60ᵒC. The 50ᵒC model is suitable for bathrooms, with 60ᵒC available for kitchens and laundries.
Scenario: Household of 3-4 people
Renewable Hot Water Systems:
If you’re thinking of solar, there is a large range of 250L to 315L roof and ground mounted systems to suit your needs. They come with electric or gas boosting options depending on your requirement and climate zone. Solar hot water systems can help you save up to 65% on your hot water energy consumption in Zone 3 when compared to similar sized electric hot water system². Get in touch with Rheem today to discuss the best system for your home.
The Rheem AMBIHEAT HDc-270 Heat Pump water heater is also suitable for a household of 3-4 people. Ambiheat can save energy up to 73% of you water heating energy use in Zone 3 when compared to similar sized electric hot water system³.
Electric Storage water heater:
For showers and other household activities, electric storage water heaters from 125L and up is where you want to be looking. A 125L is suitable for smaller households on a budget, typically up to three people (moderate climate on off-peak tariff)¹. For households of four (moderate climate on off-peak tariff), a 160L system is suitable as it stores more hot water ready for immediate use.
Gas Storage water heater:
A Rheem 5-star or RheemPlus 5-star Gas Storage Water Heater is perfect for medium to large families. The 275L first hour capacity (130L capacity and 145L recovery) ensures a strong supply of hot water for a 3-4 person household. The RheemPlus model limits the output water temperature, meaning there is no need for a separate tempering valve.
A gas water heater’s recovery rate refers to the quantity of water that the system can reheat (45OC temperature rise) in one hour after hot water runs out. The higher the recovery, the faster you will be back in hot water.
5-star energy efficiency reduces the amount of gas needed to heat your water.
Gas Continuous Flow water heater:
A 16L/min system is suitable for homes with 1.5 bathrooms and up to three people. Rheem Metro 16L models have a 6-star energy rating to reduce your hot water energy consumption. For a four-person household, a 20L/min system is ideal.
Electric Continuous Flow water heater:
The 27kW Rheem Eclipse Continuous Flow Electric Water Heater can service an entire apartment and provides as much hot water as you need, as long as you need it.
There are two models available: 50ᵒC and 60ᵒC. The 60ᵒC model requires a tempering valve to ensure only a maximum of 50ᵒC is delivered to bathrooms, with 60ᵒC available for kitchens and laundries.
Scenario: Household of 5-7 people
Renewable Hot Water Systems:
Rheem is home to a number of suitable solar options for a five, six or seven-person household. For a solution catered to your needs, get in touch with Rheem today to discuss the best system for your home.
The 270L Rheem Ambiheat Heat Pump is suitable for a 2-5 person household as it works day and night to draw heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to your water. However, how much hot water your heat pump can produce may depend on the heat available in the surrounding air where you live. Speak to Rheem or your local plumber to learn more.
Electric storage water heater:
A 250L electric storage water heater is suitable for households of up to five people⁴. For households of up to six, the larger 315L is a good option. However, it ultimately depends on how many bathrooms you have and how much hot water your household uses.
Gas storage water heater:
Rheem is home to gas storage options between 130 and 170 litres. Gas water heaters have a faster recovery than electric water heaters, which is why they can have a smaller storage capacity. When making a decision, you need to take into account your individual household needs.
Gas Continuous Flow water heater:
A 26L/min system is suitable for 2-2.5 bathrooms and up to five people. If you have a six-person household or three bathrooms, a 27L, Rheem’s highest capacity continuous flow gas water heater, is a good option.
Scenario: Household of 7+ people
Electric Storage water heater:
A 400L electric water heater is suitable for households of up to nine people or those who use a lot of hot water (Moderate climate on a Continuous Tarff). Get in touch with Rheem today to discuss the best system for your home.
Gas Storage water heater:
A gas storage solution is also possible for a larger property. Three Rheem Stellar 360 Gas Water Heaters were installed for a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Sydney. With a five-star energy efficiency rating, fast hot water recovery, and mains pressure delivery, the water heaters can help you save on energy consumption while meeting the needs of a large household.
Other options including connecting residential water heaters in series or Rheem Commercial water heaters may also suit the needs of the largest of households.
GET IN TOUCH WITH RHEEM TODAY
Rheem has the most extensive range of hot water systems available in Australia. Solar, gas or electric storage. Continuous flow or heat pump. Energy-efficient and stainless steel options.
Rheem has a range of capacities to suit your requirements and budget. For more information, contact Rheem or your local plumber today.
RELATED ARTICLES ON THE RHEEM BLOG:
- Which water heater is best for you?
- Solar vs Heat Pump Water Heaters: A comparison
- How solar works on cloudy days to deliver hot water
Disclaimers:
- Calculation based on avg 7 min shower at 42°C mixed water Appliances using hot water should be counted as one person.
- Energy reduction based on Australian Government Approved TRNSYS simulation modelling and apply when replacing an electric water heater with a Rheem solar water. Any financial savings will vary depending upon type of Rheem Solar system installed, orientation and inclination of the solar collectors, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. Maximum financial savings off your hot water bill are achievable when replacing an electric water heater on continuous tariff.
- Energy savings of up to 73% are based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling using a medium load in Zone 3 and apply when replacing a storage electric water heater of similar size with a Rheem 551270 Heat Pump water Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. The impact on an electricity account will depend on the tariff arrangement of the water heater being replaced and where you live. This Heat Pump water heater is recommended for connection to a 24 hour continuous tariff power supply. Depending upon the size of the household and their hot water requirements, an extended off-peak (overnight and day) or Extended time controlled power supply connection may also be suitable. Before purchase consult your energy provider for more information on cost comparisons.
- Rheem 250L Electric Water Heater can be suitable for up to 8 Calculations are based on 7 min showers at 42°C mixed water temperature in moderate climate, time of use tariff
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