Pros and Cons of Greenhouse friendly hot water systems
The table below gives a general and broad spectrum analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of greenhouse efficient hot water systems accepted as alternatives under the new sustainable house building code - from march 2006.This information is intended as a general guide only as the performance between different model types and brands can and do vary.
Solar Systems |
Gas Systems |
Heat Pump Systems |
Electric System |
|
Upfront Cost |
Medium - High
|
Low
|
High - Very High
|
Low
|
Renewable Energy Certificates |
Yes a Large Number
|
No
|
Yes- Medium Number
|
No
|
Running Costs - Electricity |
Approx $60/Year
|
N/A
|
Approx $116/Year
|
Approx $355/Year
|
Running Costs - Natural Gas |
Approx $40/Year
|
Approx $328/Year
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Running Costs - LPG |
Approx $87/Year
|
Approx $730/Year
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Hot Water Recovery Rate |
Medium
|
Medium -Very High
|
Slow - Medium
|
Medium
|
Service Costs (avg) |
Low - Medium
|
Low - Medium
|
Medium High
|
Medium
|
Operational Lifespan (avg) |
18 - 22 Years
|
10 - 15 Years
|
7 - 10 Years
|
7 - 10 Years
|
Lifetime Cost Analysis - Electric |
Extremely Low
|
N/A
|
Very Low
|
Medium High
|
Lifetime Cost - Nat Gas |
Extremely Low
|
Low - Medium
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Lifetime Cost Analysis - LPG |
Very Low
|
High
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
