Hashtag
Men's Weekly

Identifying the Different Types of Hot Water Systems


So, you need a new hot water system, and you want a newer version of the same one you’ve had for years. Except you can’t remember what type it is, and you’re not sure what to ask for!

The good news is that you can usually tell what you have just by looking. Here’s how you can go about identifying the different types of hot water systems:

Solar Heaters

Solar water heaters are often the easiest to identify because you can see the panels on your roof. If you have a solar hot water system, you will have some panels on your roof that will be connected to a storage tank somewhere inside or near your home.

Heat Pumps

Because of the noise they generate (and for safety reasons), heat pumps are one of the few types of hot water systems that are usually installed outside.

If your hot water system includes a compressor and a tank, and it’s fairly loud when it’s running, then you probably have a heat pump.

Electric Heater

An electric water heater will probably be installed in your roof or in an unused corner of your home or garage. It consists of a large tank with a drip tray, often an overflow valve, and a thermostat that monitors the heat of your water.

You will probably also have a switch dedicated to your hot water heater on your electrical panel, so if you have one of those, it’s a good sign you either had or have an electric hot water heater.

Gas Heater

If you have to buy gas to heat your water, and you have a pilot light on your hot water heater, then you have a gas water heater. These come with and without tanks, so you might only have a small unit that heats water on demand.

How Else Can You Find Out?

Not everyone wants to go crawling around in or on their roof or bushwhacking through the garden to find a tank or water heating system. If you’ve just bought a new home, or you’re just not sure what kind of hot water system you have, or if it’s in good condition, the best person to call is a plumber.

You can call a plumber to help decide what types of hot water systems are best for you, or what you already have installed.

Remember that if you are replacing an old system, you might not be stuck with the same sort of system that was installed before. It might not be as expensive as you think to switch to a different type of hot water system, and it never hurts to find out! A plumber is still the best person to ask though, so be sure you get an expert to weigh in before you decide.

House & Garden

Why Melbourne Homes Can’t Afford to Ignore Duct Cleaning This Winter

Melbourne winters are long, cold, and unpredictable. When the temperature drops, most households rely heavily on ducted heating to keep things comfortable. But while people are quick to service thei...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

The Importance of Professional Air Conditioning Installation

When the temperature rises, having a reliable cooling system becomes essential for maintaining comfort in your home or workplace. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing air conditioning ...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

What Makes a Great Locksmith in Melbourne?

Let’s be real—when you’re locked out of your house at 10 pm or can’t get your car started because the key won’t turn, the last thing you want is a dodgy or unreliable locksmith. You want someone who...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Gas vs Electric Ducted Heating: What’s Right for Your Melbourne Home?

If you're renovating or upgrading your heating system in Melbourne, there's an important  decision to make: gas ducted heating vs electric ducted heating. With Victoria's shift toward renewable ener...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Why You Need a Professional Asbestos Removalist in Melbourne

Melbourne, a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse architecture, also holds a hidden danger within some of its older structures: asbestos. Dealing with this hazard requires expertise and me...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Warmth Where You Want It: Unpacking the Power of Gas Ducted Heating

When the chill of winter bites, a reliable heating system becomes more than a luxury – it's a necessity. In the realm of home comfort, one solution stands out for its efficiency and effectiveness: g...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Health & Wellness

Telehealth Could be the Catalyst for Better Heart Health in Australia

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Image by stockking on Freepik Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Australia despite decades of advancements in medicine and health education campaigns. More than 400 Australians ...

Disability Care in Melbourne: What Families Need to Know in 2025

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

If you’re supporting a loved one with a disability in Melbourne, you’ll know how important it is to find the right care—and how overwhelming it can be to navigate the system. With the National Disab...

Online Medical Certificate Services: Essential Features to Look Out For

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

"Discover top online medical certificate services! Essential features to look for to get trusted and efficient results." Choosing high-quality services is essential for ensuring reliable, efficient, ...