Salmon Plumbing Guarantee to ARRIVE ON TIME to your scheduled appointment.
In the rare instance that your plumber has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we promise to give you a MINIMUM 30-minutes notice of ANY change in arrival time and will offer to reschedule, if that’s more convenient for you
If we don’t give you at least 30 minutes notice in advance, we will happily give you a FREE Hour of Service on your plumbing job.
This offer is not to be used with any other offer.
Does not apply to quoted jobs.
Discounts will not be applied to overdue amounts.
Deposits
Deposits are not refundable however partial or total refunds of deposits may be made at the sole discretion of Salmon Plumbing.
Cancellations
Salmon Plumbing reserve the right to charge for lost time as a result of cancellations and or postponement made less than 2 business days from the scheduled appointment time.
Warranties
Salmon Plumbing offers a 6 and half year warranty as per the Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC).
When it comes to hot water systems, there are so many options to choose from. So how can you be sure you’re making the right selection for your property? If in doubt talk to your trusted Brisbane plumbers, we’ll help you choose!
By understanding the difference between continuous flow and storage hot water systems, you can assess the benefits and disadvantages of each model. This can help you assess your family’s needs and choose an installation that will serve you best for the long term.
What is continuous flow? What is a storage system? How can you compare the two and make an informed decision? You asked, and we answered. Here’s what you need to know.
Continuous Flow vs. Storage: What’s the Difference?
Your main hot water system options are continuous flow or storage models. Find out what separates the two.
Continuous Flow Hot Water Systems
As the name suggests, continuous flow hot water systems are designed to facilitate water flow continuously. With continuous flow, cold water flows steadily through the water heat when the tap is on, and this water is heated by either an electric heating element or a gas burner, depending on your system’s energy supply.
Often incorrectly referred to as instant systems, continuous flow hot water models are a great choice for reliable hot water. They can provide a relatively constant flow of hot water, with occasional lags in high-demand periods. As such, it’s a good idea to coordinate water usage and avoid running showers and washers simultaneously if you want to keep hot water in steady supply.
The advantages? Generally speaking, continuous flow hot water systems are the cheaper-to-run option, and their compact design allows them to fit easily even in small spaces. Better yet, continuous flow hot water systems are sturdy and hard-wearing with easy-to-fix components. This means a tankless system could last for as long as 20 years before needing to be replaced!
Storage Hot Water Systems
On the flip side, storage hot water systems are exactly what they sound like. These systems are built to obtain cold water and heat it when the unit is switched on. They then store hot water in a large insulated tank, ready for use. Storage hot water systems can be powered by electric, gas, solar, or heat pump energy.
Storage hot water systems vary in size and materials, which can influence their reliability and longevity. For instance, steel tanks tend to be a pricier option, but they are corrosion resistant and low on maintenance requirements. Enamel tanks are cheaper to purchase but are more likely to corrode and need replacement sooner.
Typically, storage hot water systems require more regular maintenance and replacements than their continuous flow counterparts. A well-cared for storage system could last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on internal componentry repairs and construction. These systems are also less energy efficient.
What to Look For in Your System
When choosing a hot water system, it’s important to think specifically about your needs and goals.
How does your family use hot water, and how much supply will you need to facilitate these habits? You need a system that is large enough to be up to the task of supporting your hot water usage, consistently.
What environment are you working with? You need to think about the size and location of your system, as well as the effects of the elements. This can affect the overall efficiency and longevity of your system.
Are you on a budget? It’s important to recognise what you can afford, both in terms of installation and longer-term running costs. This can help you make a budget-friendly decision that won’t break the bank, either today or in the future.
Don’t forget to consider energy ratings. Well-rated systems are not only better for the environment but can also significantly cut down on your energy costs, saving you money over time.
Making the Right Installation Choice
There are many factors that go into choosing the right hot water system, but there are a few guiding principles that make your decision simpler.
If you need continuous hot water supply and long-lasting system with better energy efficiency and lower running costs, an instant or continuous flow system is the way to go. These systems are best for families who want minimal maintenance and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They’re also less likely to take up space in your home!
If you want lower installation costs and a system that can easily supply high demand, choose a storage hot water system. These are great options for larger storage capacity and, in some cases, solar compatibility. They’re particularly useful for larger households with higher hot water requirements.
Need help choosing and installing the right hot water system for your property? Leave it to the experts. Contact Salmon Plumbing today, and find out how we can help.
