What Size Hot Water System Do I Need?

Selecting the right hot water system for your home is crucial to ensure that you and your family enjoy a constant supply of hot water without excessive energy costs. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your home can be a challenge. In this article, we'll help you determine the ideal hot water system size for your needs.

To decide what size hot water system is required, you need to understand how much hot water your household uses daily. While factors such as shower duration and appliance usage have a big impact on water usage, the average person uses about 50 litres of hot water per day. To calculate your household's hot water consumption, consider the number of people living in your home and their daily routines. This will help you estimate your household’s daily hot water usage.

When selecting a hot water system, it's crucial to consider factors such as upfront costs, ongoing running costs and available space for installation. There are several types of hot water systems available including electric, gas, solar and heat pump systems. While each type of system has its own unique benefits, gas hot water systems remain a popular option due to their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Storage hot water systems store heated water in a tank, ready for use when needed. When sizing a storage hot water system, consider the tank's capacity and recovery rate (how quickly it heats water). Here’s a rough guide for sizing storage hot water systems based on the number of people in your home:

• 1-3 people: 160 litre tank
• 2-4 people: 250 litre tank
• 3-6 people: 315 litre tank
• 5-8 people: 400 litre tank

Continuous flow hot water systems, also known as tankless or instantaneous systems, heat water on demand. These systems are sized based on their flow rate, which is measured in litres per minute (LPM). To determine the appropriate size, you'll need to consider your home's maximum hot water demand. Here's a general guide for sizing continuous flow hot water systems based on the number of outlets served at one time:

• 1 outlet: 16 LPM
• 2 outlets: 20 LPM
• 2-3 outlets: 24 LPM
• 3+ outlets: 32 LPM

If you need help choosing the right hot water system for your home, it’s always best to consult the professionals. A professional plumbing service can assess your household’s needs and recommend the right sized system for your family.

If you're looking for expert guidance on hot water systems in Coffs Harbour, look no further than VR Marsden Plumbing Services & Mullaway Maintenance. Our team of experienced plumbers can help you decide between on-demand or continuous flow systems, as well as outlining the benefits of a tankless LPG system. To arrange a quote or find out more, give us a call today.