Water heating, explained

Different systems. One clearer decision.

Compare what each option needs to work well in your property. Start with demand and installation conditions, then compare complete quotes.

Your options, side by side

Compare planning requirements. Final selection needs a property assessment.
System	How it works	What to compare	Installation questions
Gas storage	Stored hot water, reheated by gas	Delivery during your peak period and recovery afterwards	Gas supply, compatible venting and service access
Electric storage	Stored hot water, resistance heating	Stored capacity and recovery for consecutive uses	Suitable electrical circuit, plumbing and access
Gas tankless	Heats flowing water on demand	Output at the required temperature rise	Gas capacity, venting, drainage where required and service access
Heat-pump tank	Transfers heat into stored water	Delivery and recovery in the proposed operating mode	Air and room conditions, noise, electrical supply and condensate
Electric tankless	Heats flowing water electrically	Rated output for the actual demand and temperature rise	Electrical capacity assessed for the exact model
Point-of-use	Local supply for a limited task	Fixture demand, storage or output and recovery	Local connections and service access
Indirect / combination	Domestic water connected to a heating system	Hot-water and heating demand considered together	Compatible equipment, controls and complete-system design

Check the proposed model’s output, recovery, access and connection requirements. Similar appearance does not prove a direct replacement.

Include electrical, gas, venting, drainage and location changes before comparing installation prices.

Establish equipment ownership, shared services and the approval process before committing to a model.

Record your property, current equipment and priorities. Take the resulting questions to your installer.