Efficient Hot Water System Solutions for Your Home

Selecting the right hot water system is crucial for home comfort and energy savings. Whether it’s a gas, electric, or solar model, navigating your options can be daunting. This guide offers a straightforward comparison to help you find a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Key Takeaways

  • Hot water systems are of two main types: storage water heaters and continuous flow (instantaneous) systems, which can be powered by gas, electricity, or solar energy. Each type has its benefits and challenges based on factors such as efficiency, cost, and sustainability.

  • Heat pump water heaters and solar-powered systems offer high efficiency and significant energy savings, though with higher upfront costs; these can be offset by government incentives and the systems’ long-term savings.

  • The selection of a suitable hot water system should consider household size, energy efficiency, fuel type, and system size to ensure a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, including optimizing for off-peak tariffs and leveraging renewable energy sources.

Understanding Hot Water Systems

Various types of hot water systems

Hot water systems can be broadly classified into storage and instantaneous types, each powered by different energy sources such as gas, electricity, or solar energy. While storage-based systems maintain a tank of hot water ready for use, instantaneous systems heat water on-demand, providing energy savings and better temperature control.

The choice between these systems and their energy sources often hinges on factors such as initial costs, running costs, and overall sustainability.

Storage vs. Continuous Flow

Storage hot water systems have the following characteristics:

  • They store heated water in insulated tanks

  • They are an excellent choice for meeting household demands

  • They can run out of hot water if not sized correctly

  • They can incur unnecessary costs if not sized correctly

On the other hand, continuous flow systems offer the following benefits:

  • Heat water as needed, offering significant energy savings

  • Sophisticated temperature control

  • Sizing is based on the number of hot water outlets, not the number of residents, to ensure simultaneous demand can be met in a continuous flow system.

Gas, Electric, and Solar Power Options

The decision between gas, electricity, and solar power for hot water systems is pivotal, as each has distinct levels of efficiency and environmental impact.

For instance:

  • Gas storage systems can experience significant heat loss in cold climates, but they are generally more efficient than electric hot water systems.

  • Electric hot water systems have higher operational costs despite their lower acquisition cost.

  • Solar power hot water systems are environmentally friendly and can provide significant energy savings in the long run.

Consider these factors when choosing the best option for your hot water system.

Solar hot water systems, on the other hand, harness the sun’s energy, providing a greener and more sustainable alternative.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Heat pump hot water system

Heat pump hot water systems, also known as heat pump water heaters, significantly revolutionize efficiency standards. These systems:

  • Extract heat from the surrounding air to heat water

  • Reduce electricity usage significantly - up to 70% compared to conventional electric storage water heaters

  • May have higher upfront costs and require professional installation

  • The energy savings over time can offset these initial expenses.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pump hot water systems operate based on a refrigeration cycle. Here’s how it works:

  1. The system absorbs heat from the environment in an evaporator, where the refrigerant expands and transitions into a gaseous state.

  2. The refrigerant is then compressed, raising its temperature and pressure.

  3. The compressed refrigerant then condenses in the condenser, releasing heat to the system.

This cycle allows the heat pump hot water system to efficiently heat water using the heat from the environment.

In essence, heat pumps move heat from the air to the water within a tank, providing hot water without directly heating it with an element.

Efficiency and Cost Savings

Not only do heat pump hot water systems benefit the environment, but they also positively impact your finances. Here are some reasons why:

  • Their running costs are significantly lower than traditional electric storage water heaters.

  • They can be coupled with off-peak tariffs to further optimize savings on energy bills.

  • Government incentives like the Federal Government’s Small-scale Technology Certificates and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme can reduce upfront costs, making these systems more accessible.

Solar-Powered Hot Water Systems

Solar-powered hot water system

We must also consider the sun’s immense energy potential. Solar hot water systems harness the sun’s energy to provide up to 90% of hot water without generating greenhouse gas emissions. While these systems may have higher initial purchase and installation costs, they offer lower running costs over time and can last for more than 20 years with minimal maintenance. Government rebates and financial incentives can also assist in making solar hot water systems a viable option.

Solar Collector Types

Solar collectors constitute the core component of solar hot water systems. They come in various types, including:

  • Glazed flat-plate collectors: These consist of insulated boxes with dark absorber plates under glass or plastic covers.

  • Unglazed flat-plate collectors: These are similar to glazed flat-plate collectors but do not have a cover, making them more suitable for warmer climates.

  • Evacuated tube collectors: These feature transparent outer glass tubes with metal absorber tubes inside to prevent radiative heat loss, making them efficient even on cloudy days.

By understanding the different types of solar collectors, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and climate conditions.

Rebates and Incentives

Government incentives and rebates can often counterbalance the initially high costs of solar hot water systems, such as small-scale technology certificates (STCs). These incentives can significantly reduce the purchase and installation costs, making it financially attractive to opt for a solar hot water system.

Moreover, some regions offer specific rebates or feed-in tariffs for homeowners who integrate renewable energy into their hot water systems.

Electric Hot Water Systems: Pros and Cons

Electric hot water system pros and cons

Electric hot water systems are a prevalent option, with around 50% of Australian households using an electric hot water system for their hot water needs. Despite their prevalence, they do have their downsides. For instance, they can have an energy in vs. out loss of over 50%, and their operational costs are higher compared to other hot water systems. However, advancements in energy-saving technology, like Energy Star-certified tankless water heaters, can help mitigate these issues.

Storage vs. Instantaneous

Electric storage water heaters have several advantages, including:

  • They store hot water, providing a backup supply during power outages

  • They allow you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates

  • They can be easily installed and maintained

However, it is important to correctly size your electric storage water heater to prevent energy waste and ensure an adequate supply of hot water.

On the other hand, electric instantaneous water heaters are space-saving and provide hot water on demand without the energy losses associated with maintaining a tank’s temperature, although they may have higher installation costs due to electrical requirements.

Off-Peak Tariffs and Energy Costs

By taking advantage of off-peak tariffs, electricity costs for electric storage hot water systems can be minimized. These tariffs allow the systems to heat water during designated periods when energy prices are lower, leading to reduced electricity costs. However, they do not reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the energy supplied is still from largely non-renewable sources.

Despite the higher initial cost for a larger tank, off-peak tariffs offer larger lifetime savings on energy bills.

Gas Hot Water Systems: Benefits and Drawbacks

Gas hot water system benefits and drawbacks

Gas hot water systems, also known as gas water heaters, present a solid alternative, with natural gas being generally cheaper and more environmentally friendly than electric systems. However, gas storage systems can be inefficient due to heat loss, especially in cold climates that reduce the insulating effectiveness at the point where the gas flame heats the tank. They also typically need to be installed outdoors because of venting requirements, which may influence your choice depending on your home’s setup.

Continuous Flow vs. Storage

Continuous flow gas systems provide hot water on-demand without running out, although they may have a delayed response when multiple taps are used simultaneously. On the other hand, storage water heaters provide immediate access to a reserve of hot water, but they have a finite capacity that can run out and require time to reheat new water. However, continuous flow gas water heating systems are more efficient and generally cheaper than electric systems, making them a popular choice in Australian homes.

Natural Gas vs. LPG

When it comes to fuel options for gas hot water systems, natural gas and LPG are the main contenders. Natural gas is generally cheaper than LPG due to lower rates and provides a more stable and predictable cost for hot water systems. However, LPG hot water systems are a viable option in areas without mains gas connections, despite the higher cost and potential availability issues.

Choosing the Right Hot Water System for Your Home

Selecting an appropriate hot water system for your home requires the consideration of multiple factors. These include:

  • The type of system

  • The size of the system

  • The energy source

  • The specific needs of your household

It’s not just about getting hot water; it’s about ensuring that your new hot water system is energy efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable for your specific needs.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key factor when choosing a hot water system. Not only does it reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it also helps to lower energy bills. Government incentives are available that encourage homeowners to replace traditional electric or gas hot water systems with more efficient models, such as heat pumps, further enhancing the benefits of energy efficiency.

Household Size and Usage Patterns

The size of your household and your hot water usage patterns also play a significant role in choosing the right hot water system. A correctly sized system is crucial for ensuring a sufficient supply of hot water without incurring unnecessary costs for heating unneeded water. Consider factors like the number of showers and usage patterns to determine the appropriate tank size.

Installation and Maintenance

For optimal performance and safety of hot water systems, professional installation and regular maintenance are imperative. Ensuring that your system is installed by a licensed plumber guarantees correct setup, compliance with regulations, and can be key to maintaining warranty validity.

Regular maintenance, including periodic inspections and draining the system to remove sediment, extends the lifespan of hot water systems and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Insulation and Heat Loss Prevention

Insulation plays a key role in the functioning of hot water systems. It helps maintain higher efficiency, reduce energy costs, and prevent heat loss.

For solar hot water systems, insulation is particularly critical in cold climates and when the storage tank is located far from the hot water taps.

Safety Measures

Hot water systems necessitate safety measures, including pressure relief valves and tempering valves. Pressure relief valves prevent excessive pressure buildup, while tempering valves mix hot and cold water to deliver water at a safe temperature from the faucet, preventing scalding.

These safety features must be installed by a licensed plumber to ensure proper function and safety.

Reducing Environmental Impact

Minimizing the environmental impact of hot water systems is a significant concern. Opting for more efficient systems, ensuring regular maintenance, and integrating renewable energy sources like solar power can significantly decrease energy use and associated emissions. Adhering to minimum energy performance standards is a crucial step in achieving these goals.

The choice of fuel, such as natural gas or LPG, also impacts the environmental footprint due to varying levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

Conservation Tips

To reduce the environmental impact of hot water systems, conservation is essential. Small changes like installing low-flow fixtures, repairing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances can significantly decrease energy use and associated emissions.

Renewable Energy Integration

The efficiency and environmental impact of hot water systems can be further enhanced by integrating renewable energy sources. For instance, pairing heat pumps with solar panels can achieve over 300% efficiency, contributing to substantial energy savings.

Moreover, utilizing built-in timers on heat pump systems can optimize the use of electricity generated by rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, reducing the amount of electricity exported to the grid.

Summary

In summary, choosing the right hot water system for your home is a multifaceted decision that involves considering the type of system, energy source, household size, and usage patterns. Whether it’s gas, electric, solar, or heat pump, each system has its benefits and drawbacks. But with careful consideration of your specific needs and the environment, you can find a system that’s both efficient and cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for government free hot water systems Victoria?

Businesses in Victoria with electric or natural gas-powered water heaters are eligible for a government-sponsored free upgrade to a heat pump-driven hot water system if the upgrade is undertaken at a business/non-residential premises.

How much does it cost to replace a hot water system Australia?

The average cost of replacing a hot water system in Australia is between $200 and $600, excluding the cost of the water heater unit itself. Keep in mind that this estimate applies to replacing an existing system with one of the same type.

What is the $33 hot water rebate NSW?

You can get a 215L air sourced heat pump water heater for just $33 when you apply for an electric to heat pump hot water system upgrade in NSW. Business users may also be eligible for the upgrade at an additional cost.

How long do hot water systems last?

Hot water systems typically last 8-20 years, but regular maintenance can extend their useful life indefinitely.

What is the difference between storage and continuous flow hot water systems?

The main difference between storage and continuous flow hot water systems is that storage systems store hot water in tanks, while continuous flow systems heat water on demand, providing energy savings and precise temperature control. Therefore, continuous flow systems offer greater energy efficiency and temperature management.

Reviews From Our Customers

★★★★★

Had Gas Hot Water System replaced. After checking their reviews, I called them out. They came out during the 2022 Brisbane Flood. The two tradies were friendly and polite. Got three quotes and JR were the cheapest by a $190 from one and a whopping $496 from another. Extremely happy with service and cost. Have put them on permanent file for any future works. It pays to shop around.

Andrea
Brisbane
★★★★★

JR Gas and Water were fast, efficient and very reliable. They sent a quote quickly that was itemised and comprehensive. I was able to approve the quote online and they were out the next day to fit the new hot water system. as the family have a very ill family member we were all very grateful. We had tried another service just before this company and they were all over the show with lots of comments about "extras", after providing an initial quote. So glad we changed to JR Gas and Water!

Kim
Brisbane
★★★★★

I recently contacted JR Gas & Water as I needed a new electric hot water system suppled and installed. Their website is informative and easy to navigate and the quote and booking process very straight-forward. The service I experienced from my initial phone enquiry with Jay all the way through to the punctual and professional installation by Sean was absolutely amazing! The service provided far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend JR Gas & Water.

Ben
Brisbane
★★★★★

my hot water system blew up overnight, i sent for a quote online in the morning with some pics of what I had . Within minute's i had the quote back on my email. I was lucky enogthey had 1 spot left for it to be fitted the same day😊
The communication & service is next to none no wonder you have 5 stars you deserve them
thank you so very much will definitely be recommending you guys thats for sure

Kelly
Brisbane
★★★★★

From the first point of contact I was impressed with how JR Gas and water handled my query. The electronic quote was speedy and showed how professional this company is. My hot water system was ready to go the very next day. Thank heaps!

Alyssa
Brisbane
★★★★★

Jarred and his team at JR Gas and Water and Mark at Proficient Electrical are true professionals, obviously proud of their work and jealous of their reputation. Their price is competitive, their work is neat, and they leave the work area clean and tidy at the end of the job. It is too early to comment on the Rheem B26 continuous flow LPG hot water system that Jarred provided and installed, but, based on the work quality, I have faith that it will live up to expectations.

Bruce
Brisbane
★★★★★

Very fast service. They have fitted a new hot water system in less than 24hours of my enquiry. The new system is faultless and amazing. The website is also very easy to navigate and I really liked the prices shown also. Different payment plans also which a awesome idea. Thank you again for your service and I will be recommending Jr gas an water to anyone in the future.

Benjamin
Brisbane
★★★★★

Fantastic service. Very efficient online communication. Had a quote from an alternate 24hr plumbing company to replace a continuous hot water system for $5,009. JR did the whole job on a Saturday for $1,600. Sean a great respectful efficient tradesman.
Highly recommend.

Chris
Brisbane
★★★★★

We recently contacted JR Gas and Water about replacing our solar hot water system. Their quote arrived quickly and once we approved we were booked in within the week to have the job completed. Communication was great and the job was carried out professionally. Highly recommend.

Joanne
Logan

You wont see reviews this good anywhere else.

Only the most reputatble brands.

Pay Your Way.

BuyNow Pay Later with Humm, ZipPay and OpenPay

Pay Your Way.

BuyNow Pay Later with Humm, ZipPay and OpenPay

Pay Your Way.

BuyNow Pay Later with Humm, ZipPay and OpenPay

Who Are We?

Who Are We?
Here at JR Gas and Water, we offer a comprehensive range of solar, electric and gas hot water systems to suit all your water heating needs. We know what our customers need, and that’s why the entirety of our work is carried out to specifically meet your strict service standards, all at very competitive prices. We strive to go above and beyond to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your experience. All of our systems come with fixed prices in black and white right here, so you can prepay online for convenience or pay when the project is complete and you’re 100% happy.

Our Pricing
At JR Gas and Water, all of our prices are FIXED, meaning that you know exactly what you're getting without any unwanted surprises. This also applies to every one of our services, and we make sure to display those prices in BLACK & WHITE so that you won’t be pressured into a sale. When it comes to our prices, what you see is what you get.

Hot Water Sale & Installation Packages
We offer complete hot water sales and installation packages. That means first we’ll help you find the best hot water system installation for your home or business. We carry all the major brands of hot water systems, so you're sure to find one that meets your needs. From gas to electric to solar hot water heaters, we’ve got you covered. Once you select your next hot water heater, we’ll be there for every step in the installation process.

Hot Water Installation
Installation of a hot water heater is not a DIY project. A poor installation job can lead to water leaks, gas leaks, or electrical shorts, all of which can pose safety hazards for your business or your family. That’s why when you want the job done correctly, leave it to the professional plumbers at JR Gas and Water. Our hot water plumber has years of experience in installing and maintaining hot water systems Brisbane wide, so you’ll know the job will be done right.

JR Gas and Water for HWS Brisbane

If you're looking for hot water heaters, then contact the experts in hot water systems Brisbane trusts – contact JR Gas and Water. We can provide you with the installation, maintenance, and repair services that you need to keep your hot water system running smoothly. We're always here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out to us by call on 1800161280 from 7am to 7pm 365 days a year, or by using our online contact form.

FAQs

We service all of Greater Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast.

For outside these areas head to our partner store www.installedtoday.com.au

We are fully licenced and insured to handle all aspects of plumbing, drainage, gasfitting, hotwater from residential to commercial and industrial work.

We sell all major brands including Rheem, Aquamax, Vulcan, Everhot, Rinnai, Bosch, Thermann, iStore, Enviroheat, Envirosun and Stiebel Eltron hot water systems.

We service all major brands including Rheem, Aquamax, Vulcan, Everhot, Rinnai, Bosch, Thermann, iStore, Enviroheat, Envirosun and Stiebel Eltron hot water systems.

Hourly rate is a loose loose situation for the customer. It gives the tradesman no incentive to complete the project in a timely manner. We off fixed prices on every service we offer, so everyone knows where they stand at the beginning of the project.

Every situation is differant and we use a number of factors to help make a decision inc factors like family dynamic, existing system type, estimated time left at property and budget. All these factors help us help you make the most informed decision when selecting your new hot water system.

We issue a form 4 certificate to the QBCC on all hot water system installations. The form and the fees associated help the industry regulate and maintain standards against trades.

We have four teirs of installations and our silver, gold and platinum packages available on any product all include a full set of valves replaced.

There are a number of factors needed to choose the correct system for your family including size of family, number of bathrooms, gas type and size of gas main. Give us a call today and we can help find the perfect system to fit your requirements.

We don't mean to blow our own trumpet but we did nationally win 2023 ProductReview.com.au best plumbers and home care store for our hot water systems.

Here at JR you can checkout with your new system and pay with Humm, OpenPay and ZipPay.

There is generally four main causes for you electric hot water system to stop producing hot water. If you be power supply, thermostat, element or a tempering valve. All bread and butter repairs for our experienced staff.

For your own safety its best to use a qualified plumber with a restricted electrical licence to install your new electric hot water system.

For all intensive purposes they are the same thing and interchangable. Depending on customer age and background the systems will be called something slightly different.

Electric Systems

We offer more electric hot water systems than you can poke a stick at. Nine of Queenslands favourite and most reliable hot water brands all the way from 6L to 400L. Electric hot water systems are not only a cost effective way back into a hot shower but with the correct advise and installation they can be gentle on the back pocket also.

Gas Systems

Nothing provides more hot water than a gas hot water system. We have all your favourite brands including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux and Vulcan (plus more) all the way upto 360L availble for same day installation across Greater Brisbane and beyond.

Solar Systems

Solar has seen big leaps and bounds in efficiency over the last decade and with the bigger introduction of heat pump water systems into the category competition is stong. The new systems are getting more reliable, efficent and cheaper year on year. Check out the great range of heat pumps here at JR and save your family upto 75% on their hot water running costs today.