Best Gas Hot Water Systems Brisbane 2024: What to Compare Before You Buy

Feb 28, 2024

Gas hot water systems can be a practical choice for Brisbane homes with natural gas or LPG already available. They can provide reliable hot water for showers, kitchens and laundries, and they are available in both storage and continuous flow options.

The best gas hot water system for a Brisbane home depends on household size, gas type, number of bathrooms, shower habits, water pressure, gas pipe sizing, outdoor location and whether the old system kept up with demand.

Installed Today helps customers compare gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and 26L instant gas hot water systems online. Supply-only ordering is available across major Australian metro areas, with selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown.

Quick Answer

For many Brisbane homes, the best gas hot water system is either:

A gas storage system, if you already have a similar gas storage unit and want a familiar tank-style replacement
An instant gas hot water system, if you want continuous flow hot water, a compact wall-mounted unit and your gas pipe sizing and water pressure are suitable

A 26L instant gas hot water system can suit some larger homes, but bigger is not automatically better. Gas pipe sizing must be checked, water pressure must be suitable, and multiple outlets can still exceed the system’s capacity.

Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. Always choose the correct gas type and confirm suitability with a licensed gas fitter before ordering.

What Is a Gas Hot Water System?

A gas hot water system uses natural gas or LPG to heat water for household use.

There are two main types:

Gas storage hot water systems
Instant gas hot water systems

A gas storage system keeps hot water in a tank. An instant gas system, also known as continuous flow gas hot water, heats water as it passes through the unit when a hot tap is turned on.

Gas hot water can suit Brisbane homes where the correct gas supply is already available and the installation location is suitable. If the home does not have gas, customers may also compare electric hot water systems, heat pump hot water systems and hot water systems more broadly.

Gas Storage vs Instant Gas Hot Water

Gas Storage Hot Water

A gas storage hot water system heats water and stores it in a tank so it is ready for use.

Gas storage may suit:

Like-for-like replacement of an existing gas storage unit
Homes with natural gas or LPG already connected
Households that prefer stored hot water
Properties with a suitable tank location
Customers wanting a familiar replacement option

Brisbane customers can compare 130/135L gas hot water systems and 160/170L gas hot water systems, depending on household usage.

Instant Gas Hot Water

An instant gas hot water system heats water on demand. It does not store hot water in a tank, which makes it compact and suitable for many Brisbane homes with limited ground space.

Instant gas may suit:

Homes with existing natural gas or LPG
Households wanting continuous flow hot water
Properties with suitable gas pipe sizing
Homes with suitable water pressure
Outdoor wall-mounted installation
Customers replacing an existing instant gas unit
Homes where a storage tank takes up too much space

Customers can compare instant gas hot water systems, including 16L, 20L and 26L models.

Best Gas Hot Water Systems to Compare in Brisbane

There is no single best gas hot water system for every Brisbane home. The right choice depends on household size, usage pattern, existing system type, gas connection, water pressure and installation requirements.

Rinnai Infinity B26 Natural Gas Hot Water System

The Rinnai Infinity B26 Natural Gas Hot Water System is a popular 26L continuous flow option for homes connected to natural gas.

It may suit:

Medium to larger households
Homes with suitable natural gas supply
Properties with suitable water pressure
Customers wanting a compact wall-mounted system
Homes replacing an existing external instant gas unit

Before choosing a 26L system, gas pipe sizing and water pressure should be checked. A larger unit will not perform properly if the property cannot support it.

Rinnai Infinity B26 LPG Gas Hot Water System

The Rinnai Infinity B26 LPG Gas Hot Water System may suit homes using LPG rather than natural gas.

It may suit:

Homes with LPG supply
Larger households with higher hot water demand
Properties without natural gas
Outdoor wall-mounted installation
Customers wanting a 26L LPG continuous flow system

LPG and natural gas are different. Do not order an LPG model for a natural gas property, or a natural gas model for an LPG property.

Rheem 26L Natural Gas Hot Water System

The Rheem 26L Natural Gas Hot Water System is another 26L continuous flow option for homes with natural gas.

It may suit:

Homes with higher hot water demand
Multiple bathroom properties where the pipework and pressure are suitable
Customers comparing Rheem continuous flow systems
Outdoor wall-mounted installations

For 26L systems, bigger is not automatically better. Multiple outlets can still exceed capacity, especially if showers, kitchen and laundry use happen at the same time.

Rheem 26L LPG Gas Hot Water System

The Rheem 26L LPG Gas Hot Water System may suit LPG properties that need a larger continuous flow unit.

It may suit:

LPG homes with suitable supply
Higher-demand households
Outdoor installations
Customers comparing LPG instant gas systems

A licensed gas fitter should confirm LPG suitability, gas supply, pipe sizing and installation location before ordering.

Rheem 20L Gas Hot Water Systems

A 20L gas hot water system can suit homes that need more than a small unit but may not require a 26L system.

Customers can compare the Rheem 20L Natural Gas Hot Water System and Rheem 20L LPG Gas Hot Water System, depending on gas type.

A 20L model may suit:

Small to medium households
Homes with moderate hot water demand
Properties with suitable gas and water pressure
Customers replacing an existing similar system

Rinnai and Rheem 16L Gas Hot Water Systems

A 16L instant gas hot water system can suit lower-demand homes, smaller households or properties with fewer fixtures.

Options include the Rinnai Infinity B16 Natural Gas Hot Water System, Rinnai Infinity B16 LPG Gas Hot Water System and Rheem 16L Natural Gas Hot Water System.

A 16L system may suit:

Smaller households
Lower simultaneous hot water use
Single bathroom properties
Like-for-like replacements
Homes where larger units are not required

Rheem and Vulcan Gas Storage Systems

Gas storage can still be a practical option for Brisbane homes where the existing setup already uses gas storage and the tank location is suitable.

Options include 130/135L gas hot water systems and 160/170L gas hot water systems.

A gas storage system may suit:

Customers wanting a familiar tank-style system
Like-for-like gas storage replacement
Homes with suitable natural gas or LPG
Properties where instant gas pipe sizing is not suitable
Households that prefer stored hot water

If the old gas storage system regularly ran out of hot water, do not automatically replace it with the same size.

How to Choose the Right Size Gas Hot Water System

Gas hot water sizing depends on how your household uses hot water.

Consider:

Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower length and frequency
Whether showers run at the same time
Bath use
Kitchen and laundry use
Existing system performance
Whether the old unit ran out of hot water
Gas type
Gas pipe sizing
Water pressure
Distance from unit to outlets

For instant gas systems, litres per minute is important. Common options include 16L, 20L and 26L systems.

For gas storage systems, tank capacity is important. Common domestic sizes include around 135L and 170L options.

A larger system is not automatically better. The property must be able to support the system, and the size should match real household demand.

Natural Gas vs LPG

Brisbane homes may use natural gas or LPG depending on the property and location.

Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. The appliance must match the gas type.

Before ordering, check:

Is the home connected to natural gas?
Is the property using LPG bottles?
Does the selected model match the gas type?
Is the gas supply suitable for the system size?
Is gas pipe sizing suitable, especially for 26L instant gas?
Is outdoor installation practical for the selected unit?

Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Gas Hot Water vs Electric Hot Water

Gas and electric hot water systems suit different homes.

Gas Hot Water May Suit:

Homes with existing natural gas or LPG
Customers wanting continuous flow hot water
Properties with suitable gas pipe sizing
Homes with suitable water pressure
Households that prefer gas storage or instant gas

Electric Hot Water May Suit:

Homes without gas
Simple like-for-like electric replacements
Properties with suitable electrical supply
Customers wanting a familiar storage tank option
Households where gas installation is not practical

Customers comparing alternatives can browse electric hot water systems, including 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems.

Do not choose gas or electric based only on upfront price. Consider household demand, energy source, installation requirements, running costs and long-term suitability.

Gas Hot Water vs Heat Pump Hot Water

A heat pump hot water system can be a practical alternative to gas for homes wanting an efficient electric storage-style option.

Gas Hot Water May Suit:

Homes already connected to natural gas or LPG
Customers wanting compact continuous flow hot water
Homes with suitable gas pipe sizing and water pressure
Properties with limited ground space

Heat Pump Hot Water May Suit:

Homes without gas
Customers wanting to reduce reliance on gas
Properties with outdoor space and clear airflow
Homes with suitable electrical supply
Locations where condensate drainage can be managed
Solar PV homes where timer settings and usage suit

Heat pumps are not automatically best for every home. They need outdoor location planning, airflow, drainage, access and suitable noise placement.

Customers can compare medium heat pump hot water systems from 200L to 280L and large heat pump hot water systems over 280L if considering a move away from gas.

Gas Hot Water vs Solar Hot Water

Solar hot water can suit Brisbane homes with strong roof exposure, suitable roof orientation, minimal shading and safe roof access.

Solar hot water may suit:

Homes with suitable roof space
Properties with minimal shading
Households with good solar gain
Customers wanting to reduce reliance on electricity or gas
Homes with suitable booster setup

Gas hot water may suit:

Homes with existing gas supply
Properties with limited roof space
Shaded roofs
Customers wanting compact wall-mounted instant gas
Like-for-like gas replacement

Solar hot water systems usually need electric or gas boosting for cloudy weather or high-demand periods. STCs, rebates and incentives can change, so eligibility should be checked before relying on them.

Gas Hot Water Installation Considerations in Brisbane

Gas hot water installation requirements vary depending on the property.

Things that can affect suitability and cost include:

Existing system type
Natural gas or LPG availability
Gas pipe sizing
Water pressure
System location
Outdoor clearance
Wall mounting suitability
Pipework condition
Valve requirements
Drainage
Access for delivery and installation
Old unit removal
Whether the system is being relocated
Whether the replacement is like-for-like
Compliance upgrades

A simple like-for-like replacement is usually different to changing from electric to gas, changing from gas storage to instant gas or relocating the system.

For supply-only orders, confirm the selected model, gas type, location and installation requirements with a licensed installer before purchasing.

Common Gas Hot Water Problems

Gas hot water systems can develop issues as they age.

Common problems include:

No hot water
Water temperature fluctuation
Low hot water pressure
Ignition problems
Error codes on continuous flow units
Pilot or burner issues on some systems
Gas supply issues
Leaks around valves or pipework
Old storage tank corrosion
System no longer keeping up with demand

Some problems may be repairable, while others may make replacement more practical.

Installed Today is positioned as an online supplier of hot water systems, water filters and pumps, with selected supplied-and-installed options on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown. General repair diagnosis, emergency plumbing and ongoing servicing should be handled by licensed trades where required.

When to Replace a Gas Hot Water System

Replacement may be worth considering if:

The storage tank is leaking
The system is old
Repairs are becoming frequent
Parts are hard to source
The household regularly runs out of hot water
The system no longer suits the number of bathrooms
You want to switch from gas storage to instant gas
You want to move from gas to heat pump or electric
The existing setup is not compliant
The system has corrosion or recurring faults

If the old system failed to meet demand, do not replace it with the same size without checking household usage.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Gas hot water systems are not automatically eligible for rebates.

Some heat pump and solar hot water systems may be eligible for STCs, rebates or incentives depending on the product, location, installation details and current program rules.

These programs can change. Eligibility should be checked before purchase and should not be treated as guaranteed.

Do not choose a hot water system based only on a possible rebate. The product must still suit the home, household demand, gas or electrical supply, location, access and installation requirements.

Brisbane-Specific Considerations

Brisbane homes vary widely, from older Queenslanders and post-war homes to new builds, townhouses and larger family homes.

Hot water replacement in Brisbane may be affected by:

Narrow side access
Older pipework
Existing valve condition
Gas meter location
Gas pipe sizing
Water pressure
Outdoor unit clearance
Electrical supply
Drainage
Slab or base condition
Whether the old system is internal or external
Household growth since the last system was installed

Brisbane’s warm climate can also make heat pump hot water worth comparing for some homes, especially where outdoor space, airflow and drainage are suitable.

Supply-Only vs Supplied-and-Installed in Brisbane

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

Installation labour
Plumbing alterations
Electrical work
Gas work
New valves
Pipework changes
Gas pipe upgrades
Drainage changes
Tempering valve upgrades
Pressure limiting valve upgrades
Expansion control valves
Old unit removal
Disposal
Compliance upgrades
Concrete bases or slab work
Flue kits unless listed
Temperature controllers unless listed
Relocation of the system
Rebate administration
Site assessment

For gas hot water systems, confirm gas type, gas pipe sizing, water pressure, outdoor location and licensed gas fitting requirements before ordering.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing a gas hot water system in Brisbane, check:

Is the home connected to natural gas or LPG?
Does the selected unit match the gas type?
Is the existing system gas storage or instant gas?
Is a like-for-like replacement suitable?
How many people live in the home?
How many bathrooms are used daily?
Are showers used at the same time?
Does the household use a bath?
Did the old system run out of hot water?
Is gas pipe sizing suitable for the selected unit?
Is water pressure suitable?
Is there outdoor wall space for an external instant gas unit?
Are new valves or pipework changes likely?
Is old unit removal included or separate?
Is the product supply-only or supplied-and-installed?
Has a licensed installer confirmed suitability?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gas hot water system for Brisbane homes?

The best gas hot water system depends on household size, gas type, water pressure, gas pipe sizing and whether you want storage or continuous flow. Many homes compare 16L, 20L and 26L instant gas systems, while others may suit 135L or 170L gas storage.

Is instant gas better than gas storage?

Instant gas can suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water and a compact wall-mounted system. Gas storage can suit homes already using a tank-style gas unit. The better choice depends on the property, gas supply, water pressure and household usage.

Is a 26L gas hot water system good for a family?

A 26L instant gas system can suit some larger households, but gas pipe sizing and water pressure must be suitable. Bigger is not automatically better, and multiple outlets can still exceed the unit’s capacity.

Can I use LPG instead of natural gas?

Only if the system is designed for LPG and the property has LPG supply. Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. Always choose the correct gas type.

Can an external gas hot water unit be installed indoors?

No, not unless the model is specifically approved for internal flued installation. External gas units are designed for outdoor installation.

Are gas hot water rebates available in Brisbane?

Gas hot water systems are not automatically eligible for rebates. Some heat pump or solar hot water systems may be eligible for STCs, rebates or incentives depending on current rules, product type and installation details.

Does supply-only pricing include gas fitting?

No. Supply-only pricing generally covers the product only. It does not usually include gas fitting, plumbing labour, valves, pipework changes, gas pipe upgrades, disposal or compliance upgrades unless clearly listed.

Can I install a gas hot water system myself?

No. Gas hot water installation involves licensed gas fitting and plumbing work. Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Final Word

Gas hot water systems can be a strong option for Brisbane homes with natural gas or LPG already available. The right choice depends on whether you need gas storage or instant gas, how many people live in the home, how many bathrooms you use, whether the old system kept up, and whether the property has suitable gas pipe sizing and water pressure.

For larger homes, 26L instant gas systems can be worth comparing, but they must be matched to the property. For smaller households, a 16L or 20L system may be more suitable. For like-for-like tank replacements, gas storage may still be the practical choice.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems, 26L instant gas hot water systems and broader hot water systems online.

For supply-only orders, confirm gas type, sizing, water pressure and installation suitability with a licensed installer before purchasing. For eligible Brisbane products, check whether a supplied-and-installed option is available where shown.

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