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Choosing
the type of fuel to heat your water can make a significant difference
to the running costs of the system and the amount of greenhouse gases
emitted due to your hot water use.
Solar energy
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In
Perth, a solar hot water system can heat around 65%-85% of your
annual hot water using the sun's energy. |
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All
solar hot water systems come with electric, gas or wood boosting
to supply hot water on days when the sun alone is insufficient. |
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The
solar collector is generally located facing north on the roof
of a home, with the storage tank above. The storage tank can
also be located inside the roof or at ground level with some
systems. |
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Mains
pressure and reduced pressure systems are available. |
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Thermostatic
tempering valves are available to stop the solar hot water system
delivering water that is too hot in summer. |
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For more information on solar hot water systems, see
the Solar Hot Water
section. |
Natural gas
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Can
be used in storage or instantaneous models. |
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Natural
gas hot water systems are generally located outside the house.
If inside, a room sealed flue (internally balanced) is required
to maximise safety. |
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A
pilot light which burns continuously is common, although some
of the newer models save energy by replacing this with mains
electricity or battery ignition. |
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Some
higher capacity natural gas instantaneous systems may require
you to upgrade your copper gas piping from the meter box. If
you get quotes for installation, make sure this potential additional
cost has been accounted for. |
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
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Can
be used in areas where natural gas is not available. |
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Typically
bought in 45 kg cylinders, although reticulated LPG is available
in some areas such as Albany. |
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Points
outlined above for natural gas also apply to LPG. |
Wood fuels
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Cost
of fuel varies greatly. |
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Water
can be heated using a 'wetback' attached to a wood room heater. |
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Must
not be used with mains pressure systems unless a heat exchanger
is used. |
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Major
problems with urban air quality can occur due to wood fires,
so its use as a fuel source in urban areas needs to be considered
carefully. |
Electricity
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Can
be used with storage or instantaneous models, although instantaneous
units typically require three phase power. |
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A
heat pump storage hot water system uses around one third of
the electricity of an electric element storage hot water system. |
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Lower
tariffs may be available in off-peak periods. However, to take
advantage of 'off-peak' electricity you will need a much larger
tank to ensure you do not run out of hot water during the day
when boosting becomes much more expensive.
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