Best Hot Water System for Airbnb and Short-Stay Properties

Choosing the best hot water system for an Airbnb or short-stay rental is different from choosing one for a normal owner-occupied home. Guests often use hot water differently. They may take longer showers, shower at the same time, use baths more often, run laundry between stays, or expect the system to work without needing instructions.

For most Airbnb and short-stay properties in Australia, the best hot water system is a reliable, correctly sized system that can handle peak guest demand. That may be a 250L to 315L electric storage hot water system, a 26 L/min continuous flow gas hot water system, or a suitable heat pump hot water system where the property has the right outdoor space and the owner wants a more efficient long-term option.

The key is not just matching the number of bathrooms. Short-stay homes should be sized around maximum guest occupancy, not average use. A property that sleeps six people needs a different hot water setup to a property that usually has two people staying.

Quick answer: what hot water system suits an Airbnb?

For most Airbnb and short-stay properties, these are the common options to compare:

For most short-stay homes, it is safer to size for the maximum number of guests the property advertises. If your Airbnb sleeps four, six or eight people, the hot water system should be chosen for that level of demand, not for the owner’s personal usage.

You can compare options in the Installed Today hot water systems range, including electric hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems.

What is the best hot water system for a short-stay rental?

The best hot water system for a short-stay rental is usually one of these options:

1. Electric storage hot water system
   Best for straightforward replacement, simple operation and predictable stored capacity.

2. Continuous flow gas hot water system
   Best for properties already set up for natural gas or LPG and needing compact hot water on demand.

3. Heat pump hot water system
   Best for owners wanting a more efficient electric option where outdoor space and recovery time suit guest demand.

4. Like-for-like replacement in a better size
   Often the best choice where the current system type works but the capacity is too small.

Airbnb properties need hot water systems that are easy for guests to use and hard to accidentally misuse. If the system requires too much explanation, complicated timers or unusual reset steps, it may create guest frustration.

Why Airbnb hot water demand is different

Short-stay guests often use hot water in a different pattern to permanent residents.

A guest group may:

• Shower back-to-back before going out

• Use two bathrooms at once

• Take longer showers than usual

• Fill a bath for children

• Use hot water late at night

• Run laundry during or between stays

• Use more hot water because they are on holiday

• Expect hotel-style comfort

• Contact the host quickly if hot water runs out

In a normal home, occupants may adjust their routine around the system. In an Airbnb, guests usually expect the system to keep up. That makes correct sizing more important.

Best overall option: electric storage hot water

For many Airbnb and short-stay properties, electric storage hot water is a practical and reliable choice.

Electric storage systems are simple for guests because there is usually nothing they need to operate. The tank stores hot water and supplies the home as needed. If the system is correctly sized, guests can use showers, kitchen taps and laundry without thinking about how the system works.

Common short-stay sizes include:

• 125L electric storage for compact 1 bathroom stays

• 160L electric storage for small homes with 2–3 guests

• 250L electric storage for 2 bathroom homes and family stays

• 315L electric storage for larger homes or higher guest occupancy

• 400L electric storage for high-use short-stay properties

You can browse available options in the electric hot water systems collection.

When a 125L electric hot water system suits an Airbnb

A 125L electric hot water system may suit a small Airbnb or short-stay unit where guest numbers are low.

It may suit:

• Studio apartments

• One-bedroom units

• 1 bathroom stays

• 1–2 guests

• Low-use properties

• Compact granny flats

• Properties replacing an existing 125L unit

A 125L system can be enough where the property is genuinely small and guest occupancy is limited. The risk is that short-stay guests may use more hot water than expected. If the listing sleeps more than two people, or guests regularly stay as couples or small families, a 160L system may be a better comparison.

When a 160L electric hot water system is better

A 160L electric storage hot water system is often a better choice for smaller short-stay homes where demand may vary.

It may suit:

• 1 bathroom Airbnb properties

• 2–3 guests

• Couples who may take longer showers

• Small family stays

• Granny flats used as short-stay accommodation

• Properties where 125L may be too tight

• Rentals where guests change frequently

For a compact Airbnb, 160L gives more comfort than a 125L unit without moving into larger family-sized tanks. It can be a practical choice where the property is small but guest use is unpredictable.

When a 250L electric hot water system makes sense

A 250L electric storage system is often a strong starting point for 2 bathroom Airbnb properties, small family homes and short-stay rentals that sleep 4 people.

It may suit:

• 2 bathroom homes

• 3–4 guests

• Small family stays

• Townhouses

• Duplexes

• Properties with regular back-to-back showers

• Homes where 160L may not keep up

A 250L system gives more stored hot water for morning and evening peaks. For short-stay properties, this can reduce the chance of guests running out of hot water after several showers close together.

When a 315L or 400L electric hot water system is better

A 315L or 400L electric hot water system may be better for larger Airbnb and short-stay homes.

A larger electric storage system may suit:

• Properties sleeping 5 or more guests

• Family holiday homes

• Homes with 2 or 3 bathrooms

• Properties with a bath

• Homes with teenagers or groups staying

• Short-stay homes with frequent back-to-back showers

• Properties where cleaning and laundry use hot water

• Premium stays where comfort expectations are higher

A 315L system can suit many family short-stay homes, while a 400L system may be better for larger properties or higher occupancy. The right size depends on the maximum number of guests, number of bathrooms, shower habits and whether the property has a bath.

Is a small hot water system risky for Airbnb?

Yes, a small hot water system can be risky for an Airbnb if the listing sleeps more people than the system can comfortably support.

A system may be too small if:

• Guests complain about cold showers

• Hot water runs out after two showers

• The home sleeps more than two people

• The property has two bathrooms

• There is a bath

• Cleaning staff use hot water between bookings

• Guests shower close together before checkout

• The system was originally sized for one owner-occupier

Guest reviews can be affected by hot water problems. A slightly larger system may be a better investment than choosing the smallest replacement that technically fits.

Best gas option: continuous flow gas hot water

A continuous flow gas hot water system can be a good option for Airbnb and short-stay properties with suitable natural gas or LPG supply.

Continuous flow gas systems heat water as it passes through the unit instead of storing hot water in a tank. They are compact, wall-mounted and can provide hot water on demand when correctly sized and installed.

A gas continuous flow system may suit:

• Short-stay homes already using instant gas

• Properties with natural gas or LPG

• Homes with limited space for a large tank

• 1–2 bathroom properties

• Hosts wanting compact external equipment

• Properties where hot water is used in bursts

• Like-for-like gas replacements

Common sizes include 16L, 20L and 26L, depending on the number of bathrooms, guest occupancy and simultaneous use. You can compare options in the instant gas hot water systems collection.

What size instant gas system suits an Airbnb?

The right instant gas size depends on how many outlets may be used at once.

As a general guide:

• 16L instant gas may suit compact 1 bathroom stays with low-to-moderate demand

• 20L instant gas may suit small homes with slightly higher demand

• 26L instant gas is commonly compared for 2 bathroom homes and family stays

For short-stay properties, it is important to think about guest behaviour. If guests may use two showers close together, or a shower and kitchen tap at the same time, a larger system may be needed.

The L/min rating is only one part of the decision. Real performance depends on incoming water temperature, required outlet temperature, water pressure, gas supply, gas pipe sizing and how many outlets are running together.

Natural gas vs LPG for short-stay properties

Gas hot water systems must match the property’s fuel type. Natural gas and LPG models are not interchangeable.

Natural gas is usually supplied through a street gas connection. LPG is usually supplied through gas bottles. For Airbnb and short-stay homes, this matters because guests should not need to manage a system that is confusing or unreliable.

Before ordering a gas system, check:

• Whether the property uses natural gas or LPG

• Whether the replacement model matches the fuel type

• Whether gas supply and pipe sizing are suitable

• Whether the system location is compliant

• Whether a licensed gas fitter has confirmed the setup

• Whether LPG bottle management is practical for a short-stay property

If LPG bottles run empty during a guest stay, it can create a poor experience. Where LPG is used, the bottle setup and changeover process should be practical and well managed.

Is heat pump hot water good for Airbnb?

A heat pump hot water system can be a good option for some Airbnb and short-stay properties, especially where the owner wants a more efficient electric system and the site has suitable outdoor space.

Heat pumps use electricity to draw heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into the water. In suitable conditions, they can use less electricity than standard electric storage systems.

A heat pump may suit Airbnb properties where:

• The owner plans to hold the property long term

• There is suitable outdoor space

• Airflow around the unit is good

• Condensate drainage is practical

• Noise placement is acceptable

• The system is correctly sized for guest demand

• The recovery time suits the booking pattern

• The owner wants an efficiency-focused upgrade

You can browse options in the heat pump hot water systems collection.

When heat pump may not suit a short-stay rental

A heat pump may not be the best choice for every Airbnb.

It may not suit:

• Very tight courtyards

• Enclosed service areas

• Units with body corporate restrictions

• Locations close to guest bedrooms

• Properties with poor airflow

• Homes with no suitable drainage

• High-occupancy stays where recovery time may be an issue

• Hosts wanting the lowest upfront replacement cost

Heat pumps can be efficient, but they need to be selected carefully. The system must be sized for the property’s maximum guest occupancy, not just the average number of guests.

Electric storage vs gas vs heat pump for Airbnb

Here is a simple comparison for short-stay properties:

For many hosts, the best choice is a simple, correctly sized like-for-like replacement that guests do not need to understand or adjust.

Should Airbnb hosts replace like-for-like?

Like-for-like replacement can be a good option if the existing system has worked well and guests have not had hot water issues.

This may mean replacing:

• Electric storage with electric storage

• 160L with 160L

• 250L with 250L

• 315L with 315L

• Instant gas with instant gas

• Natural gas with natural gas

• LPG with LPG

• Heat pump with heat pump

• Same location where practical

However, short-stay owners should not automatically replace the same size if guest demand has increased. If the property now sleeps more people, has become an Airbnb, or has had hot water complaints, the replacement should be sized for current guest use.

When should an Airbnb upgrade the hot water system size?

An upgrade may be worth considering if:

• Guests have complained about running out of hot water

• The property has changed from owner-occupied to short-stay

• The listing now sleeps more people

• A second bathroom has been added

• A bath has been added

• Cleaning or laundry uses hot water between stays

• The current system was sized for fewer occupants

• Multiple guests shower close together

• The property is marketed as family-friendly or premium accommodation

Short-stay homes are often used more intensively than normal rentals. If the current system only just kept up for the owner, it may struggle with guest use.

Best hot water system for a small Airbnb unit

A small Airbnb unit, studio or one-bedroom apartment may suit:

• 80L electric storage for very low-use stays

• 125L electric storage for 1–2 guests

• 160L electric storage for more comfortable guest use

• Like-for-like gas replacement where already installed

For short-stay accommodation, 125L or 160L is often a safer comparison than a very small unit if the property has a shower, kitchen and regular guest turnover.

Best hot water system for a 1 bathroom Airbnb

A 1 bathroom Airbnb may suit:

• 125L electric storage for 1–2 guests

• 160L electric storage for 2–3 guests or more comfort

• 250L electric storage if the property sleeps 4 or has higher use

• 16L to 20L instant gas where gas supply suits

The best size depends on maximum guest occupancy. A 1 bathroom property that sleeps two may not need the same system as a 1 bathroom holiday home that sleeps four.

Best hot water system for a 2 bathroom Airbnb

A 2 bathroom Airbnb usually needs more capacity because guests may use both bathrooms around the same time.

Common options include:

• 250L electric storage for 3–4 guests

• 315L electric storage for 4–6 guests

• 26L instant gas hot water where gas supply suits

• Suitable heat pump hot water where location and sizing work

For a short-stay property, a 160L system may be too small for many 2 bathroom setups unless guest numbers are very low and use is light.

Best hot water system for a holiday home

A holiday home may have irregular use, but when it is occupied, hot water demand can be high.

A holiday home may suit:

• 160L electric storage for small low-use stays

• 250L electric storage for family holiday homes

• 315L or 400L electric storage for larger homes

• Instant gas where gas supply and location suit

• Heat pump hot water where the property is used often enough and location suits

If the property is vacant for long periods, the owner should also consider system operation, maintenance, water quality, power settings and manufacturer guidance. The hot water system should be checked and maintained as part of normal property upkeep.

Best hot water system for a luxury Airbnb

A premium Airbnb or luxury short-stay property should be sized for comfort, not just minimum demand.

Guests booking higher-end accommodation are more likely to expect:

• Long showers

• Multiple bathrooms

• Reliable hot water

• Bath use

• Family or group stays

• Minimal disruption

• No complicated instructions

A luxury short-stay home may justify a larger system, such as 315L or 400L electric storage, a suitable large heat pump, or a correctly sized gas continuous flow system. The right choice depends on the property layout and existing services.

Best hot water system for an Airbnb with a bath

A bath can increase hot water demand significantly.

If the property has a bath, especially a large bath or freestanding bath, consider:

• Larger storage capacity

• 250L as a stronger minimum comparison for smaller homes

• 315L or 400L for family or group stays

• Correctly sized gas continuous flow if using instant gas

• Whether multiple showers may happen after bath use

A small tank may run out after one bath and leave guests without enough hot water for showers. If bath use is part of the guest experience, size the system accordingly.

Best hot water system for an Airbnb with laundry

Laundry can also affect hot water demand, especially if the property is cleaned frequently between bookings.

Consider:

• Whether the washing machine uses hot water

• Whether cleaners use hot water between guest stays

• Whether guests are allowed to use the laundry

• Whether linen turnover happens on site

• Whether showers and laundry may happen close together

For short-stay properties with regular laundry use, avoid sizing only for showers. The total hot water demand may be higher than expected.

Hot water system controls should be simple

Airbnb guests should not need to understand complicated hot water settings.

A good short-stay hot water setup should be:

• Easy to use

• Clearly labelled if any controls are visible

• Reliable without guest adjustment

• Hard to accidentally turn off

• Located away from areas guests may tamper with

• Supported by simple host instructions if needed

If a system depends on timers, boost buttons, off-peak settings or unusual operation, make sure the host understands how it works and that guest instructions are clear where appropriate.

What happens if guests run out of hot water?

Running out of hot water can quickly become a guest complaint.

It may lead to:

• Messages to the host

• Poor reviews

• Refund requests

• Stress for property managers

• Emergency callouts

• Last-minute troubleshooting

• Repeat complaints if the system remains undersized

A correctly sized hot water system is part of the guest experience. It may not be the most visible feature in a listing, but guests notice quickly when it fails.

Should short-stay properties use timers?

Some hot water systems may be connected to timers, controlled load arrangements or settings designed to manage electricity use.

For Airbnb properties, be careful with setups that restrict recovery during high-use guest periods. A timer that works for an owner-occupier may not suit guests who shower late at night, check in at unusual times or use more hot water than expected.

Any timer or control setup should be checked by the appropriate licensed trade and matched to the way the short-stay property is used.

Supply only vs supplied and installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas for customers who already have their own licensed installer arranged. Supplied-and-installed options are available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown.

For Airbnb and short-stay properties, always check what is included before ordering. Supply-only product pricing generally does not include installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, pipework changes, drainage changes, access issues, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless those items are clearly selected or included.

Short-stay hosts should also consider timing, guest bookings and site access. If the property is occupied frequently, plan replacements carefully to avoid guest disruption.

Hot water systems for Airbnb properties in Brisbane and Gold Coast

For eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, Installed Today offers supplied-and-installed options on selected hot water products where available.

Common Airbnb and short-stay options include:

• 125L electric storage for small stays

• 160L electric storage for compact homes with more comfort

• 250L electric storage for family stays

• 315L electric storage for larger properties

• 400L electric storage for high-occupancy homes

• 20L to 26L instant gas systems where suitable

• Heat pump hot water systems where the location and guest demand suit

Before ordering, check the product page, delivery options, installation availability and any required add-ons for the property.

What should Airbnb owners check before ordering?

Before ordering a hot water system for an Airbnb or short-stay rental, check:

• Maximum guest capacity

• Number of bathrooms

• Number of showers

• Whether the property has a bath

• Whether guests use laundry

• Current system type

• Current tank size or L/min rating

• Whether guests have complained about hot water

• Natural gas or LPG availability

• Indoor or outdoor location

• Available space

• Access for replacement

• Body corporate or strata rules

• Electrical requirements

• Gas requirements

• Drainage

• Whether supply only or supplied and installed is required

• Booking gaps for replacement timing

This information makes it easier to choose a system that suits guest use rather than guessing based on the old unit.

Common mistake: sizing for average guests instead of maximum guests

An Airbnb should be sized for the number of guests it can sleep.

If the listing sleeps six but usually only has two guests, the system still needs to handle the six-person stay. Guest groups often shower close together, especially before checkout, events or dinner bookings.

Sizing for average use can leave the system struggling during peak bookings.

Common mistake: assuming one bathroom means low demand

A one-bathroom short-stay property can still use a lot of hot water if it sleeps four people, has a bath, or has guests showering back-to-back.

The number of bathrooms matters, but maximum guest count matters more. A one-bathroom holiday flat that sleeps four may need more capacity than a one-bathroom owner-occupied unit with one resident.

Common mistake: choosing the cheapest replacement

The cheapest hot water replacement may not be the best option for an Airbnb.

A cheap undersized system can lead to:

• Cold showers

• Complaints

• Poor reviews

• Extra host stress

• Repeat callouts

• Earlier upgrade needs

• Lower guest satisfaction

Short-stay properties should be treated as guest accommodation, not just standard residential use. Reliability and capacity matter.

Common mistake: changing to gas without checking supply

Gas continuous flow can be a good option, but only where the property has the correct gas setup.

Before ordering gas, check:

• Natural gas or LPG

• Correct model type

• Gas pipe sizing

• Meter or bottle setup

• External location

• Clearances

• Water pressure

• Licensed gas fitter requirements

Do not assume a gas system will be simple just because the property has one gas appliance.

Common mistake: choosing heat pump without checking recovery and location

Heat pumps need suitable outdoor space, airflow and drainage. They also need to be sized for the way guests use hot water.

Before choosing a heat pump for an Airbnb, check:

• Maximum guest count

• Recovery time

• Outdoor airflow

• Noise placement

• Distance from bedrooms

• Condensate drainage

• Electrical suitability

• Whether the model suits short-stay demand

A heat pump can be a smart long-term choice, but it must suit both the property and the booking pattern.

Final recommendation

For most Airbnb and short-stay properties, choose a hot water system based on maximum guest occupancy, not average use. A small studio may suit an 80L to 125L electric storage system, while a 1 bathroom stay may be better with 125L to 160L. A 2 bathroom or family short-stay property should usually compare 250L to 315L electric storage, while larger homes may need 315L to 400L.

If the property has natural gas or LPG, compare a correctly sized continuous flow gas hot water system, commonly in the 20L to 26L range for higher-use stays. If efficiency is the main goal and the property has suitable outdoor space, compare a heat pump hot water system.

The best hot water system for an Airbnb is reliable, easy for guests, correctly sized for peak use and suitable for the property’s existing services. A well-sized system can help avoid guest complaints and make the property easier to manage.

To compare suitable options, browse the Installed Today hot water systems range, including electric hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems.

Long-tail FAQs

What size hot water system do I need for an Airbnb?

An Airbnb should be sized for maximum guest capacity. A small 1–2 guest property may suit 80L to 125L, a 2–3 guest stay may suit 160L, a family property may need 250L to 315L, and a large short-stay home may need 315L to 400L or a suitable gas or heat pump system.

Is a 125L hot water system enough for an Airbnb?

A 125L system may be enough for a small Airbnb with 1–2 guests and one bathroom. If the property sleeps more guests, has longer shower use, or has a bath, a 160L or larger system may be worth comparing.

What is the best hot water system for a 2 bathroom Airbnb?

A 2 bathroom Airbnb often suits a 250L to 315L electric storage system, a 26L continuous flow gas system where gas supply suits, or a correctly sized heat pump where the location is suitable.

Is instant gas hot water good for Airbnb?

Instant gas hot water can be good for Airbnb properties with suitable natural gas or LPG supply, correct pipe sizing and a compliant external location. The system must be correctly sized for guest demand and installed by a licensed gas fitter.

Is heat pump hot water suitable for a short-stay rental?

Heat pump hot water can suit short-stay rentals where the property has outdoor space, airflow, drainage and correct sizing for guest demand. It may not suit tight spaces, poor airflow locations or properties needing the lowest upfront replacement cost.

Should I size Airbnb hot water for average use or maximum guests?

Size Airbnb hot water for maximum guests. Guest groups may shower back-to-back or use multiple outlets at once, so sizing only for average occupancy can lead to hot water complaints.

What hot water system is best for a holiday home?

A holiday home may suit 160L, 250L, 315L or 400L electric storage depending on guest numbers and bathrooms. Instant gas or heat pump hot water may also suit if the property has the right services and location.

Can hot water problems affect Airbnb reviews?

Yes. Running out of hot water can lead to guest complaints, refund requests and poor reviews. A correctly sized and reliable system is important for guest comfort and property management.