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TECHNICAL
to replace like for like , but some clever plumber can persuade the consumer to ‘ go solar with tank ’ if the cost was perhaps subsidised . ( Okay , another story perhaps …)
But when it comes to new installations , this is where XA demands alternative energy . The country has an energy crisis and everincreasing cost of electricity , so why are the alternatives not considered especially in the affordable housing space ? The main alternatives would be solar , heat pump , photovoltaic and gas or oil heating .
Let us look at the different systems : The Storage Water Tank – it operates by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when the hot water tap is turned on . To replace hot water , cold water enters the bottom of the tank , ensuring the tank is always full .
The Solar Water Tank – most solar water heaters do have an electric back up as the objective is to have hot water on demand . According to SANS the electrical back up element is fitted in the middle of the tank and not at the bottom as per the normal electric geyser .
Heat Pumps use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly . Therefore , a heat pump can be up to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters .
Tankless Gas Water Heaters supply ‘ on demand ’ or instantaneous . The unit stands idle using only minimal power and not consuming any gas . The faster water travels through the unit the lower the temperature output . The slower the water travels the higher the output temperature .
Oil Fired Water Heater – only oil-fired heaters use both oil and electricity for fuel . This mixture is then exposed to an electric spark and ignited to heat water .
“ The country has an energy crisis and ever-increasing cost of electricity , so why are the alternatives not considered especially in the affordable housing space ?”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2021 Volume 27 I Number 3