When it is a case of comparing hot water systems in Victoria there are four things to put to the test: the household’s consumption of hot water, energy sources at hand, what can be afforded in the way of an outlay and if the home is amenable to installation. The heat pump tends to be the best all-rounder for Victorian households, not least in conjunction with rooftop solar. Then there is solar hot water which has its merits, and for those whose budget or property access precludes other options, gas and electric storage are still very serviceable.
I am Charlotte Redfern. I do not trust every glossy sign one comes across on a road trip, I check my route and make room for the unexpected; I would advise the same when making a household decision. What seems like a straightforward replacement of your hot water system in Victoria can become anything but once you factor in roof space, the switchboard, gas connections, the demands of the family and local rebates. To help you make an informed choice, this guide puts the principal options head to head.
Options For The Victorian Home
Being in Victoria means contending with a cooler climate than in much of Australia, in regional areas and come winter. It will have an impact on recovery time, how well a heat pump or solar setup performs and the level of backup heating required. For practical advice, see the Victoria hot water upkeep guide.
You will find heat pumps, solar, gas storage, instantaneous and continuous flow as well as electric resistance among the choices. All will give you a reliable shower, though the one with the lowest purchase price is not necessarily the most economical to run.
Capacity And Demand
Modest hot water use by a small household can be handled by a compact system. Put a large family, several bathrooms or a steady stream of visitors in the equation and you require more in the way of storage and a quicker recovery.
It is wise to put pen to paper before you start looking at brands or rebates. Note the daily number of showers, any baths, the hours of use and if multiple appliances are running concurrently. There is nothing to be said for a system that is technically efficient but does not have the capacity for the household.
All too often people have it the wrong way round, sizing up the tank before considering usage. But timing is as important as volume. The morning rush of a family putting the kettle on and in the shower is a different proposition from a home where such things are done at leisure over the course of the day.
Dealing With Winters On A Heat Pump
Heat pump hot water is popular in Victoria since it draws heat from the air to warm the water as opposed to an electric element doing the work directly, which generally results in less electricity being used than a standard storage tank.
Do not think of it as some kind of magic however. In Victoria’s cold climate performance is down to the model and its positioning, control settings and whether an electric booster is called for in the colder weather.
The Trade-Offs
There is more to pay for a heat pump up front than a plain electric resistance system. They also call for a sound base and adequate outdoor space and airflow. Some are noisy in operation so you might do yourself a favour and not put one next to a bedroom window or the neighbour’s fence.
If you have rooftop solar to put to work in daylight you will get the best of it. Should your solar output be poor in winter a boost cycle or controlled tariff may be in order.
Owners are sometimes taken aback to find the most convenient setting is not the most efficient. Run the tank dry on a busy evening and the savings are gone with the boost cycle. Have the installer spell out the noise, recovery and winter performance of the backup booster before you put pen to paper.
Where Heat Pumps Are At Home
For those with the means to cover the price and who want to eschew gas for zero emissions, a heat pump is a good fit. Where natural gas is costly, being phased out or simply not on offer they are hard to beat.
They are not so well suited to a walled courtyard or where the switchboard is in need of costly electrical attention, nor where noise is an issue. Do not be swayed by a brochure, an inspection of the site is what counts.
Gas Storage Or Continuous Flow
In many a Victorian home with a gas connection the hot water is provided by gas. You have the option of a storage system with its tank of heated water or a continuous flow unit which heats the water as it goes through. Space requirements, the ease of installation and what one can expect in running costs down the track are all determined by whether an instantaneous or gas storage system is put in place. Hot water availability is another consideration. Then there are the supply arrangements for natural gas and LPG which differ, they are not to be regarded as one and the same.
Storage Gas Systems
With a storage system you have a tank holding a reserve of hot water. For a home with established pipework and demand that does not vary much it will serve well, though having to keep the water at temperature means tank losses will be reflected in running costs. Newer options tend to be more energy efficient than some older systems. Should your storage tank be showing its age, it would be prudent to weigh up the cost of leaving it in situ versus a planned replacement hot water system Victoria installation before it gives way on a Sunday morning; strategic thinking is hard when there is water on the garage floor.
Continuous Flow Gas
There is no large volume of heated water to be stored in a continuous flow system. So long as the unit has the flow capacity and the gas supply is up to it, a lengthy shower is possible.
Upgraded pipework, ventilation, electrical power and alterations to the flue may be called for during installation. The flow rate and outlet temperature can be impacted by cold inlet water too, in winter or if there is use of several taps at once.
When making a gas vs electric hot water Victoria comparison the fuel bill is not the whole story. Factor in connection and service charges, the appliance’s life span, emissions, where energy prices are heading and if gas is still the right option for the property.
Solar Hot Water And Backup
A solar system with roof collectors and a storage tank is a good fit for many homes in Victoria with ample sun and little shade. An electric or gas booster is on hand for winter or when the skies are overcast.
While solar will cut daytime energy consumption, the weather and the roof are as important as the system itself. Installation can be less practical than one might think if there is a lack of structural capacity, difficult access or the roof is shaded or poorly oriented.
Roof Checks That Matter
Have an installer look at the roof for pitch, orientation and shading, as well as safe access and how far the pipes have to run. A tree close by might seem innocuous in the morning but by lunchtime its shadow will be across the collectors. In some parts of the region there are longer pipe runs, frost or wind to contend with, all of which have implications for mounting and maintenance. Ultimately the best system is one that is serviceable and gets its share of useful sun.
Backup Boosters Explained
The fact of a backup booster is no indication the solar has let you down, it is simply how the system is meant to work under high demand or when there is not enough sun. What matters is the controls. With timers and sensors in place to manage household routines you can stave off superfluous heating. Lacking those and the booster will be put to use at times that are costly and the savings you were counting on will be quietly diminished.
Electric Storage For Simplicity
Using an electric resistance element to heat water in a tank is the way an electric storage system operates. It is easy to install given the space and electrical supply and is widely available.
Energy use is the Achilles heel. To do the same job a heat pump will not draw as much electricity, so running costs are apt to be higher, in tariff periods where the price is steep.
When Electric Makes Sense
For a holiday or rental property, a small household or one with restricted outdoor access an electric storage system has its place. An owner who wants to keep the initial outlay down and is prepared for the energy use may find it suitable. Combine it with rooftop solar and a timer to make the most of strong generation and it is a more appealing prospect. Before settling on a model enquire as to the tank insulation, element size and any space constraints.
Common Electric Mistakes
Some will opt for the cheaper, very small tank and end up with a system they are not happy with once the hot water is gone and repeated boosts are needed. Or put the tank in a spot that is awkward to get to for maintenance. Make sure a plumber verifies the installation is in line with Victorian requirements and not just done the way the old system was. Look at the warranty, tempering valve and overflow drainage.
Compare Systems By Household
What a homeowner in Victoria deems the best hot water system is a function of the property. A heat pump could be ideal in one house and in another, because of noise or a paucity of outdoor room for the electrical work, it is an inconvenience.
What follows is a practical way to begin your evaluation. Use the table as a means of comparison, but it does not take the place of a written quote or an inspection of the site.
| System Type | Upfront Cost | Potential for Running Cost | Best Fit | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | Medium to high | Low to medium | Where a household wants zero-emission and energy efficient options | Winter performance, noise and the outdoor area |
| Solar hot water | Medium to high | Low in good solar conditions | Long-term owners with the right kind of roof exposure | Any shade, access to the roof and need for a backup booster |
| Gas storage | Medium | Medium to high | Steady demand in homes that have gas already in place | The cost of gas down the line and tank heat loss |
| Continuous flow gas | Medium | Medium | To have hot water eschewing a big storage tank | Simultaneous flow and capacity of the gas pipe |
| Electric storage tank | Low to medium | Medium to high | A simple replacement, rental or small household | Limited capacity and element use |
The above puts five decision factors in perspective: climate fit, supply capacity, space, running and purchase costs. As a rule of thumb it is of more value to a household than an efficiency percentage on its own, since the system’s cycling and boosting will be dictated by what is actually demanded.
Quick Choice Scenarios
A homeowner with a suitable roof and no intention of moving any time soon would do well to put a heat pump up against solar hot water. If you are not keen on so many components on the roof, make a like for like comparison between continuous flow gas and a heat pump. Electric storage is an option for the lowest outlay at the start, but run the numbers on the operating costs first.
If you want to make a decision in a day, put pen to paper on the capacity and fuel of the present system, take a photo and see how easy street access is to where the new unit is to go. Have two itemised quotes at least. Make sure they cover removal, pipework, valves, the electricals, roof work, compliance and disposal. You will find the headline price can be deceptively cheap with the costly items hidden in the shrubbery.
Victorian Rebates And Rules
Do not put down a deposit without checking the official line; a rebate mentioned on the phone may not be applicable to your particular replacement. Eligibility for Victorian hot water rebates is subject to the product, the programme and the installer. There are separate rules and forms to contend with under schemes such as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), Solar Victoria or Victorian Energy Upgrades. Sustainability Victoria is also a source of information for the household.
Check Rebates Before Buying
Refer to Solar Victoria for the details on current programmes and what is approved. An advertised discount is not to be taken as gospel until the installer has put the conditions in writing. In the quote ask for the final payable figure in AUD, the incentive values and the pre-incentive price, as well as who is to handle the paperwork and when the installation must be done.
Installation And Safety
Make certain the tradespeople are licensed and know who is to see to the plumbing, gas, electrics, roof access and old unit disposal. Requirements in Victoria vary with the connection method and location. Put away the warranty, serial and model numbers, maintenance instructions and any compliance papers. On a gas system look at the flue and ventilation; for electric and heat pumps the switchboard and isolators; and with anything on the roof ensure there is safe access for servicing later on.
For the upkeep of the appliance, have the Victoria guide to hand with the rest of the paperwork. A bit of record keeping will show if performance is waning before a minor fault turns into an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am asked these questions most often from those weighing up the systems. The answers are straightforward but one should still have the property properly appraised.
What Is The Best Brand Of Hot Water System In Australia?
You will not find a best brand for all Victorian homes. Go with a system that has an installer who knows the property, an accessible parts and service network and unambiguous warranty. The brand name is only as good as the sizing and the job of installing it.
Is Rinnai Or Rheem Better?
Not in every case. Look at the model, the noise, the local servicing, the warranty and energy source. A premium unit that is not a match for the site will be no better than a correctly installed system of the right size.
What Type Of Hot Water System Should I Get?
A heat pump is the way to go for efficiency if the outdoor space is there. With a reliable roof and a backup booster you can consider solar. Otherwise gas or electric storage may be the more sensible choice given budget or infrastructure.
Which Heat Pump Hot Water System Is The Best In Australia?
One that is suited to your electrical supply, noise tolerance, climate and the like. Do not be swayed by advertising; get the winter operating figures and recovery times.
Are Heat Pumps Suitable For Victoria?
Many are, even in the cooler parts, if the model is right. Expect some reduction in efficiency in the cold and more boost use. Site the unit for drainage, airflow and maintenance.
Choose For The Whole Household
Heat pumps are worth a second look in a lot of Victorian homes as they use less electricity and are a step from gas. Solar is fine where the roof allows, and in some homes gas and electric remain the answer. But compare the whole of the cost, including the people in the shower and the servicing, not just the purchase price. Check the rules and size it correctly, and the choice will seem a sound one even on a cold morning in Melbourne.
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