Hot Water Installation Perth | ASAP Trades

Electric Storage Hot Water Systems

Traditional tank systems heating and storing hot water:

How They Work:

• Insulated tank stores hot water (typically 125L – 400L)
• Electrical heating element heats water to set temperature
• Thermostat maintains temperature
• Hot water drawn from top, cold water enters bottom

Advantages:

• Lower upfront cost than most other types
• Simple, reliable technology
• No gas connection required
• Easy installation
• Suitable for any property

Disadvantages:

• Higher running costs than gas or solar
• Limited hot water capacity (can run out)
• Slower heat-up time when tank empties
• Less energy-efficient than modern alternatives
• May not qualify for some rebates

Best For:

• Properties without gas connection
• Budget-conscious installations
• Replacement of existing electric systems
• Rental properties
• Small households with moderate hot water needs

Typical Sizes:

• 1-2 people: 125-160L
• 2-4 people: 250-315L
• 4-6 people: 315-400L

Popular Brands: Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, Aquamax

Gas Storage Hot Water Systems

Gas-heated tank systems for efficient hot water:

How They Work:

• Insulated tank stores hot water
• Gas burner heats water
• Thermostat controls burner operation
• Pilot light (continuous or electronic ignition)
• Flue vents combustion gases outside

Advantages:

• Lower running costs than electric
• Faster heat-up time than electric
• More energy-efficient than electric storage
• Available in natural gas or LPG
• Reasonable upfront cost

Disadvantages:

• Requires gas connection
• Pilot light uses gas continuously (if not electronic ignition)
• Needs proper venting/flue
• Limited capacity (can run out)
• Installation more complex than electric

Best For:

• Properties with gas connection
• Medium to large households
• Areas with lower gas costs
• Replacement of existing gas systems
• Balance of cost and efficiency

Typical Sizes:

• 2-4 people: 135L
• 4-6 people: 170L
• 6+ people: 250L+

Gas systems have smaller tanks than electric because they heat faster.

Popular Brands: Rinnai, Rheem, Dux, Bosch, Vulcan

Instant/Continuous Flow Gas Hot Water

On-demand hot water without storage:

How They Work:

• No storage tank—heats water on demand
• Water flows through heat exchanger
• Gas burner heats water instantly
• Endless hot water supply
• Only heats what you use

Advantages:

• Never runs out of hot water
• Most energy-efficient gas option
• Lower running costs (no standing losses)
• Compact size saves space
• Long lifespan (20+ years with maintenance)
• Eligible for some rebates

Disadvantages:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires minimum flow rate to activate
• Temperature can fluctuate with flow changes
• May need multiple units for large homes
• Hard water areas need regular descaling

Best For:

• Large families needing lots of hot water
• Small properties with limited space
• Energy-conscious households
• New builds and renovations
• Anyone wanting endless hot water

Sizing:

• Small households: 16-20 L/min
• Medium households: 20-26 L/min
• Large households: 26+ L/min

Popular Brands: Rinnai, Bosch, Rheem, Dux, EverHot

Solar Hot Water Systems

Harness free energy from the sun:

How They Work:

• Roof-mounted solar collectors capture sun’s heat
• Heat transfers to water (direct or indirect)
• Hot water stores in tank
• Electric or gas booster for cloudy days
• Circulation pump (in split systems) or thermosiphon

System Types:

• Flat plate collectors: Durable, efficient, suitable for Perth climate
• Evacuated tube collectors: Higher efficiency, better in cooler climates
• Close-coupled (roof-mounted tank): Tank on roof with collectors
• Split system (ground tank): Collectors on roof, tank on ground

Advantages:

• Lowest running costs (free solar energy)
• Government rebates and incentives available
• Environmentally friendly
• Excellent in Perth’s sunny climate
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Disadvantages:

• Highest upfront cost
• Requires roof space and correct orientation
• More complex installation
• Needs electric or gas booster
• Occasional pump or controller failures

Best For:

• Environmentally conscious households
• Long-term cost savings focus
• Properties with suitable roof space
• New builds with rebate eligibility
• Anyone wanting lowest ongoing costs

Popular Brands: Solahart, Edwards, Rheem, Dux, Apricus, Conergy

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Efficient electric hot water alternative:

How They Work:

• Extract heat from surrounding air
• Refrigeration cycle concentrates heat
• Transfer heat to water in tank
• Similar principle to reverse-cycle air conditioning
• Electric backup for cold weather

Advantages:

• Very energy-efficient (3x more efficient than standard electric)
• Lower running costs than standard electric
• Government rebates available
• Environmentally friendly
• Works in variety of climates

Disadvantages:

• High upfront cost
• Requires outdoor space for unit
• Some noise from compressor operation
• Less efficient in very cold weather
• More complex than simple electric systems

Best For:

• Properties without gas
• Energy-conscious households
• Replacing old electric systems
• Eligibility for rebates
• Long-term cost savings focus

Popular Brands: Stiebel Eltron, Rheem, Dux, Reclaim, iStore