Think all hot water systems are the same?
Think again.
Without doing a little homework you might end up with a lukewarm purchase that’s not just unreliable, but leaves you out of pocket to cover constant repair and maintenance bills. That’s why understanding the differences between boilers, and how to choose the best unit for your home, is key to making a great investment.
More than a reliable source of hot water, your boiler is complex and nuanced. While none of us want to cut down on our steamy baths or appliance usage, you probably want to cut back on water bills riddled with inefficiencies.
To help you get the most out of your home, while keeping your costs down, let’s take a closer look at what makes a boiler good, great, or grand so you can select the right option for your Melbourne home and family.
Is it worth upgrading my hot water heater?
In some cases, your heater will tell you when it’s time for a replacement – usually with refreshingly cold clarity.
If you find yourself suddenly soaked in an ice-cold shower, you’ll want to consider hot water system repairs, or start looking for a new unit (and fast).
Whether your current tank has burned out or you’re considering replacing one before it has a chance to fail, it’s likely you’ll want the best option for your home. Replacing your system with a newer model can help you meet usage demands for hot water in a larger family. Newer models are also more efficient, and you’ll see the difference recouped in your utility bills over time.
Older systems are also more difficult to maintain, and the costs here can start to mount. They can also become less reliable and fall out of compliance with current safety regulations. Here, an upgrade for your hot water system can also bring you peace of mind.
Worried your hot water system needs URGENT attention? Click here to find out whether you’re dealing with a plumbing emergency
How to decide on the best hot water system for you
With so many different options available, your head might start to spin trying to decide on a new system for your home. However, there are several criteria you can use to narrow down the field.
Here are a few of the top factors for your consideration.
Energy source
Start by considering the utilities you have available to your home and currently in place.
Do you have electric, gas, heat pump, or solar?
For example, you might love the idea of a gas unit, but if you don’t have a gas line to the home, the added expense is likely not worth it. If reducing carbon emissions is important to you, a change over to solar collector panels and corresponding tanks may be worthwhile and rewarding in more than one way – as water usage is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australian homes.
Storage type
Almost all boilers use a storage tank to hold and heat the water used throughout your home. These tanks can take up a lot of space and may be inefficient to keep water warm, but they are compatible with most energy sources.
In contrast, you might want to explore a continuous flow system. These are significantly smaller and usually only heat one tap at a time. They can also be more cost effective and energy efficient to operate given their size and heat-on-demand design.
Water usage
Especially when it comes to the storage tank variety, plumbers will start by asking you how many people live in your home.
They use this to roughly determine your daily water usage and the right size tank for your needs. For example, a family of five will require approximately 250 litres of water daily, although that doesn’t include extras like laundry usage.
Energy efficiency
All modern boilers are likely to be more efficient than their older counterparts.
That said, gas hot water heaters (both storage tank and continuous types) tend to be the most efficient of the bunch. That’s because Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in Australia are used to ensure efficiency tied to an option that relies on fossil fuels.
Warranties
Heaters aren’t a minor purchase, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a brand (and a plumber) that offers a robust warranty.
Some manufacturers cover parts up to 10 years, and many installers will include a workmanship guarantee on their service.
Comparing th best hot water systems for Melbourne homes
Now that you have a better idea of how to hone in on the features and options right for you, it’s time to choose a heater.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best hot water systems for Melbourne homeowners so you can heat things up in no time.
#1: Vulcan
Vulcan manufactures storage tank heater suitable for gas, electric, and solar energy sources. They are known for their high performance and impressive durability, coming with either a 7 or 10 year manufacturer’s warranty depending on the model. They also come in several sizes up to 170L for natural gas units and 400L for electric systems.
Great for: Mid and large-size homes and large families
#2: Rheem
This global brand offers options for every energy source type and nearly any size imaginable. These systems are known for their reliability and versatility. Every homeowner will be able to find a system that fits their space, water usage, and budget requirements. They even offer compact models and options for top-down heat pumps focused on efficiency.
Great for: Smaller budgets without sacrificing quality
#3: Rinnai
Rinnai are innovators in efficiency and sustainability. Foremost are their continuous flow units that come in several sizes with a nod to both water and fuel conservation. Their wide range of controllers and accessories let you take a high-tech approach to controlling your water usage. They also have a line of innovative solar systems.
Great for: Eco-friendly and maximized hot water consumption
#4: AquaMax
Often overlooked is the fact that heaters usually require a bit of maintenance. Most models include anodes that pull minerals out of the water. Not the case with AquaMax. They offer stainless steel units that eliminate anodes altogether. Gas systems feature top-notch thermal efficiency, and electric options can sport twin elements for sustained heat over prolonged use.
Great for: Reducing long-term system maintenance
#5: Dux
This Australian brand makes their hot water systems in the Southern Highlands of nearby NSW. We love the incredible variety of unit sizes and energy source compatibility. But what this brand is known for most is durability. Dux systems are made to last, and every system is backed with a 7-year warranty.
Great for: Investing in a system with high-quality construction
Installing a hot water solution that works for you
From super small tanks to solar powered systems, hot water installation upgrades offer homeowners any number of options. It’s a great idea to get acquainted with the different features and brands available so you’re ready to make a decision on the best hot water system when the need arises.
If your current system is over 10 years old, now might be the right time to chat with a plumber about any questions or concerns. You’ll have the leeway if you want to switch energy sources or determine a budget before you are left out in the cold.
Reed Plumbing and Drainage Solutions has helped homeowners in Melbourne install, repair, and maintain their hot water systems for years. All of the work we do is 100% compliant with all major plumbing standards using superior tools and technology. If you aren’t sure what size or type of system is best for your home, our team of experts can provide a quote and consultation quickly and honestly.
Let the team at Reed help you upgrade your system. Call us on 9331 6633 today to get started!
Hire a Good Plumber in Melbourne
The factors that make an excellent plumber include a considerable portfolio of services, five stars Google ratings, as well as being easy to communicate with.
At Reed Plumbing and Drainage Solutions, we are fully licensed and certified, have more than 15 years of experience.
We are experts in all areas of plumbing, so give us a buzz and we’ll able to discuss the options with you to find the best solution in the quickest time.
