Most businesses, whether it’s restaurants, mechanics, hotels, or offices, need hot water in some capacity. While it may seem like a pretty basic selection on the surface, there are a few key considerations to weigh up when looking at potential hot water units for your establishment. When choosing a water heater for commercial premises, one key decision is the unit size. Size does matter when it comes to hot water systems, as choosing the right size will help your business meet its hot water needs while remaining efficient to run.
No one likes it when the hot water runs out. While running out of hot water at home is annoying, at work, it could annoy your staff or even provide a poor experience. The size of your hot water system plays a major role in balancing business needs while remaining cost-effective. If your system is too small, you risk running out of hot water. If it’s too large, you may be needlessly spending money on both initial and overall running costs.
Understanding how much water your business is likely to use is key to choosing the right hot water system. One factor to remember is that different business types have their own unique needs. For example, a small office with a staff bathroom and kitchen will have much lower water usage than a gym or school with multiple bathrooms and shower facilities.
Along with accounting for the number of applications and outlets your business has (and may acquire in the future), you need to try to determine peak usage times. This means understanding the maximum demand for hot water your business will experience, so you know what your hot water system needs to handle. Understanding the usage patterns of your staff and customers will help you determine your hot water requirements and, therefore, the right-sized heater for you.
Flow rate: This refers to how many litres of water can pass through a hot water system per minute. Flow rates are most important when choosing the right size for a tankless system, such as an instantaneous model. Too low a flow rate can lead to weak water pressure and the inability to meet hot water demand.
Capacity: This refers to the volume of water a water heater system can hold at any time. This is especially relevant when looking at water heating systems that rely on storage tanks. The higher the capacity, the more people and outlets the system can provide hot water to.
Recommend flow rate in an instantaneous flow system:
Consider how many outlets you’ll be using to determine the recommended flow rate:
Recommended capacity for an electric system:
Follow these handy recommendations for the appropriate size of an electric system:
Recommended capacity for a gas-supply system (with storage tank):
The number of hot water users will dictate the recommended system capacity:
Different businesses will have their own unique hot water needs. Beyond hot water fixtures like taps, appliances such as a dishwasher or a washing machine will also need to be considered when choosing a hot water system. Appliances should come with an Energy Star rating along with a water usage rating. Better ratings mean more efficient running costs.
You know your business better than anyone, so when considering your next hot water purchase, consider all your hot water needs and the chances of this increasing in the future. Our helpful team can help you choose the best hot water system for your needs if you need little guidance.
When purchasing water heaters, it’s important to weigh up both the short-term and long-term costs of a unit. Often, more affordable systems initially have higher running costs and sometimes shorter lifespans. For example, traditional hot water systems with a storage tank have a lower initial price but higher running costs. An instantaneous water heating system, on the other hand, is more costly to purchase and install but will be cheaper to run and could greatly reduce your energy bill.
There are a few strategies to save money on your hot water system, including taking advantage of government rebates, investing in eco-friendly, efficient water fixtures and appliances, and encouraging responsible water usage habits among your staff.
One of the first things to determine is your preferred power source. Is your building gas-connected or not? Does your building have solar panels or a roof suitable for them? Your specific situation will be key to deciding the best choice for you. For example, an instantaneous hot water system works best for a small number of people or for supplying just a couple of water outlets. If you have a high water consumption, say you’re a gym with locker room showers, you’ll need either multiple instantaneous systems or another hot water solution.
Hiring a professional to install your new hot water system is not only a legal requirement. It ensures that your system will run smoothly and safely. A professional installation also guarantees your warranty remains valid.
The key to longevity in any system, whether it’s a heat pump system, continuous hot water system, or a traditional model, is quality maintenance. Regular services allow a professional eye to look over your system and keep everything running well. Removing sediment, replacing parts, and servicing your machine not only helps it run well. It plays an important part in increasing the lifespan of your unit.
Scheduled servicing also provides an opportunity to catch potential problems early. Like most household appliances, issues with your hot water system won’t just go away if you ignore them. They’ll only get worse! Having a professional fix them sooner rather than later will save you a more expensive repair (or even an early replacement) down the track.
Choosing the right size hot water system will ensure efficiency, performance, and compliance with your investment. The correct unit will meet your hot water needs and maintain water temperatures while minimising operating costs. Each business is unique, from the number of people to the appliances that require hot water. All of these factors need to be weighed up when choosing your hot water system.
At Same Day Hot Water Service, we’ve got all the top brands and models on the market, including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, Stiebel Eltron, and more. Whether you’re after a traditional unit, solar power options or heat pump systems, our friendly expert team has you covered. Our services are available Australia-wide, including in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Perth, and Wollongong.
So, why not get in touch today to discuss your business’s hot water needs?