Quick Installations, Repairs and Replacements
Electric hot water systems
Electric hot water systems offer a cost-effective, dependable option for households, ensuring a steady flow of hot water. Brisbane Hot Water Heaters provides straightforward, efficient electric hot water installation and repairs with consistent results.
Electric hot water systems
Electric hot water systems continue to be the predominant hot water units in Australian homes and have been produced locally for more than a century. Although the fundamental technology is similar, contemporary models now use better materials and thicker, denser insulation around the storage cylinders. This reduces heat loss and boosts efficiency compared with units manufactured before 2000.
These systems heat water much like a kettle via an element and are sold in three primary power ratings for the Queensland market: 1.8kW, 2.4kW and 3.6kW (with a small number of 4.8kW units in areas with higher supply capacity). These ratings are common across major manufacturers such as Rheem, Dux, Vulcan, AquaMAX and Rinnai.
Bear in mind that different element sizes do not alter the overall energy rating. For example, a 1.8kW element uses half the power of a 3.6kW element but requires roughly twice the time to heat the same volume of water to the same temperature.
Most electric hot water systems feature mild steel tanks with an internal vitreous enamel lining and a sacrificial anode for corrosion protection. Stainless steel tanks are also offered, while the older copper-style water heaters are no longer in production.
Brisbane Hot Water Heaters supplies and installs dependable electric hot water systems, providing Brisbane plumbers’ expertise for installation, repairs and servicing of gas and electric hot water systems to meet every household requirement.
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An electric hot water system setup
An electric hot water system can make up roughly a third of your electricity bill if you don’t have PV solar exporting to the grid. On tariff 11 — the standard day-rate that supplies power around the clock for general lighting and appliances — running costs are higher. Systems on tariff 33 typically operate for about 18 hours a day, commonly shutting off between 6–9am and 6–9pm. Tariff 31 is the most economical option, providing power only during off-peak hours, generally from 9pm to 6am.
It’s worth noting that tariff 31 usually isn’t appropriate for hot water cylinders under 250 litres when the household has two or more occupants.
Electric hot water systems come in a wide range of storage sizes, from compact 25-litre units for kitchen or single-sink use up to 400-litre tanks for larger homes. The following is a general guide to tank capacities and suitable household sizes (individual usage will vary):
50L & 80L: Best for 1–2 people in small units. These sizes are only practical on tariff 11 and aren’t suitable for off-peak tariffs.
125L: Suits 2–3 people in a unit or small townhouse when used with tariff 33.
160L: Appropriate for 2–4 people in a unit or small townhouse on tariff 33.
250L: Works for 2–4 people on tariff 31 in most three-bedroom homes, and can support up to 6 people on tariff 33.
315L: Suitable for 3–5 people on tariff 31, or up to 7 people on tariff 33.
400L: Ideal for 4–7 people on tariff 31, up to 9 people on tariff 33, and as many as 12 people on tariff 11.
Brisbane Hot Water Heaters — your local Brisbane plumber and hot water systems specialist — can advise on the right system, tariff configuration, installation and repairs to deliver consistent hot water while keeping energy costs under control. We service gas and electric systems.
Rheem
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Rheem is one of the best-known hot water manufacturers worldwide, recognised for reliable products and supported by one of the industry’s largest marketing programs. In Australia, Rheem produces a broad selection of electric hot water systems: mild steel vitreous enamel (VE) models are built in Sydney, while stainless steel units are manufactured in Melbourne at the former AquaMAX facility. Under the Rheem umbrella you’ll also find other respected domestic hot water names such as AquaMAX, Vulcan and Solahart. Warranties vary from 5 to 12 years depending on tank size and construction; to preserve warranty cover and prolong tank life, servicing is advised at least every five years. Servicing should include replacement of the sacrificial anode on vitreous enamel models, and it’s wise to replace the pressure and temperature relief valve during maintenance. At Brisbane Hot Water Heaters we recommend Rheem for their proven reliability, wide product range and the confidence that comes with one of the market’s most trusted brands.
AquaMAX
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The AquaMAX brand has been established since 1988; it remained family-owned until Rheem acquired the company in 2009, by which time AquaMAX had already sold more than 500,000 electric hot water systems.
AquaMAX has long been recognised within the industry for manufacturing high-quality products, particularly their stainless steel hot water cylinders.
Their stainless steel models continue to be produced in Victoria, while the VE mild-steel electric hot water range is manufactured at Rheem’s Sydney facility.
AquaMAX’s hot water cylinders carry warranties ranging from 7 to 10 years depending on cylinder capacity, with smaller tanks generally covered for shorter periods.
A service is recommended before five years of use—especially replacing the sacrificial anode—to extend the life of the tank and help avoid repairs; contact a Brisbane plumber for professional installation, maintenance and gas and electric hot water system servicing.
Vulcan
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Vulcan is a well-regarded hot water brand produced by Rheem. Positioned as Rheem’s economical range, Vulcan delivers reliable hot water performance without a high price tag. Vulcan electric storage systems use mild steel with a vitreous enamel lining, engineered to provide consistent service in Australian households. Warranty details: 7 years for the 50L electric storage model, and 10 years for capacities from 80L up to 400L. To extend the life of the cylinder, the sacrificial anode should be replaced around years 4–5 of operation; this preventative maintenance helps guard against corrosion and preserves system longevity. At Brisbane Hot Water Heaters, we endorse Vulcan hot water systems as a budget-conscious option supported by Rheem’s proven manufacturing quality.
Rinnai
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Rinnai has long been regarded as a front-runner in gas hot water technology. Historically, their electric hot water units were either imported from China or produced by Dux in NSW. These days Rinnai has established its own factory in Victoria and manufactures the Hotflo electric hot water systems locally.
The Rinnai electric range includes everything from compact 25-litre models (perfect for kitchenettes or tight spaces) up to 400-litre tanks suited to larger homes. Warranty: 7 years on 25L and 50L units, 10 years on larger models. Note: to keep the warranty valid, a service is required every five years (or earlier). At Brisbane Hot Water Heaters, our Brisbane plumbers supply and recommend Rinnai systems for their dependable performance, energy efficiency and the reassurance of Australian-made hot water systems for installation and repairs across gas and electric options.
Dux
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Dux has been a respected name in Australian hot water for over a century. Although the company is no longer Australian owned, it still manufactures dependable systems suited to local conditions. Dux electric hot water units use mild steel cylinders with vitreous enamel linings, delivering lasting performance for homes of any size. Most models are produced in Moss Vale, NSW, and tank capacities span from compact 25-litre units up to 400-litre systems. Warranty periods differ by size: 7 years on the cylinders of the 25L and 50L models, and 10 years on larger capacities. At Brisbane Hot Water Heaters, we endorse Dux hot water systems for their established reliability and stock a broad selection so a Brisbane plumber can fit the correct hot water system to your home promptly.
Thermann
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Thermann is a brand sold exclusively through the Reece Plumbing Supplies network, with their electric hot water heaters produced by Dux. Built from mild steel and finished with a vitreous enamel internal lining, Thermann tanks include a sacrificial anode to guard against corrosion. That anode should be replaced within five years to help the unit reach its expected service life. Thermann electric models have the same warranty terms as the Dux Proflo series: 7 years for 25L and 50L units, and 10 years for larger capacities. At Brisbane Hot Water Heaters, we highly recommend Thermann systems for their consistent reliability and solid performance, and our Brisbane plumbers can assist with installation, gas and electric repairs and ongoing servicing.
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