Hot Water Systems Australia Wide: Compare, Order and Choose the Right System with Installed Today

Buying a hot water system online should be simple, but choosing the right one still matters. The wrong size, wrong energy source, wrong gas type or wrong installation setup can lead to poor performance, higher running costs or extra work for your licensed installer.

Installed Today makes it easier to compare hot water systems online across Australia, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas and supplied-and-installed options available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Customers can compare Hot Water Systems, Electric Hot Water Systems, Gas Hot Water Systems, Instant Gas Hot Water Systems, Instant Electric Hot Water Systems and Heat Pump Hot Water Systems before ordering.

The best system is not always the cheapest unit or the biggest tank. It is the one that suits your home, household size, energy source, available space, running cost goals and installation requirements.

Quick Answer

Best for Australia-wide supply-only ordering: Installed Today’s Hot Water Systems range

Best for simple electric replacement: Electric Hot Water Systems

Best for homes already using natural gas or LPG: Gas Hot Water Systems

Best for compact continuous flow gas: Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

Best for lower running cost potential: Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Best for selected supplied-and-installed options: eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown on the product page

Main thing to avoid: ordering a system before confirming size, gas type, electrical requirements, access, drainage and installer suitability

What Does “Australia Wide” Mean for Installed Today?

Installed Today helps customers compare and order hot water systems online, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas.

Supply only means the product is supplied for customers who already have their own licensed plumber, gas fitter or electrician arranged. It does not include installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, pipework changes, drainage work, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless those options are clearly selected or shown on the product page.

Supplied-and-installed options may be available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address, access, energy source, existing setup and required extras.

This makes Installed Today useful for two types of customers:

customers who want to buy the system supply only and use their own licensed installer
customers in eligible local service areas who want selected supplied-and-installed options where available

Why Choosing the Right Hot Water System Matters

A hot water system is not a one-size-fits-all product. A system that works well in one home may be wrong for another.

The right choice depends on:

household size
number of bathrooms
shower habits
bath use
laundry habits
energy source
natural gas, LPG or electricity availability
installation location
available space
water pressure
gas pipe sizing
electrical supply
drainage
access for delivery and removal
running cost goals
whether the old system supplied enough hot water

If the current system worked well, a similar replacement may be suitable. If it constantly ran out of hot water, cost too much to run or no longer suits the household, it is worth comparing other options before ordering.

Main Types of Hot Water Systems

Most Australian homes compare five main hot water system types:

electric storage hot water
instant electric hot water
gas storage hot water
instant gas hot water
heat pump hot water

Solar hot water may also be suitable for some homes, depending on roof space, shade, booster setup and installation requirements.

Installed Today’s Hot Water Systems collection lets customers compare different system types before narrowing down by size, brand and energy source.

Electric Hot Water Systems

Electric storage hot water systems are one of the most common replacement options in Australia. They heat water using an electric element and store it inside a tank.

They are popular because they are simple, familiar, quiet and suitable for homes without gas.

Installed Today’s Electric Hot Water Systems category includes common household sizes such as 50L, 125L, 160L, 250L, 315L and 400L.

Electric storage may suit:

homes replacing an older electric tank
properties without natural gas or LPG
rental properties
townhouses
families wanting a simple storage-style system
customers wanting lower upfront cost than many heat pumps
homes where the existing electrical setup already suits electric storage

The main limitation is running cost. Standard electric storage is usually cheaper upfront than heat pump hot water, but it can have higher running cost potential over time.

Useful size categories include 250L Electric Hot Water Systems, 315L Electric Hot Water Systems and 400L Electric Hot Water Systems.

Instant Electric Hot Water Systems

Instant electric hot water systems heat water as it flows through the unit. They do not store hot water inside a tank.

They are usually best suited to compact applications, point-of-use hot water, small spaces, sinks, kitchenettes or selected bathroom setups where the electrical supply is suitable.

Installed Today’s Instant Electric Hot Water Systems range is useful for customers comparing compact electric hot water options.

Instant electric may suit:

small units
granny flats
office amenities
kitchenettes
hand basins
low to moderate demand applications
locations where a storage tank is not practical

Instant electric is not automatically suitable for every whole-home setup. Electrical supply, circuit capacity, switchboard requirements, flow rate and temperature rise should be checked by a licensed professional before ordering.

Gas Hot Water Systems

Gas hot water systems use natural gas or LPG to heat water. They can be storage-style systems or continuous flow instant gas systems.

Installed Today’s Gas Hot Water Systems category is the best starting point for customers comparing natural gas and LPG options.

Gas hot water may suit:

homes already using natural gas or LPG
customers replacing an older gas system
households wanting fast recovery
families wanting continuous flow gas where pipework is suitable
homes where gas storage has worked well in the past
customers comparing gas storage and instant gas

The main detail to get right is gas type. Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. Ordering the wrong model can delay installation, require a product change or create extra costs.

Gas Storage Hot Water Systems

Gas storage systems heat and store water inside a tank. They are commonly chosen for like-for-like replacements where the home already has a gas storage unit.

Gas storage may suit:

homes replacing an older gas tank
small to medium households
rental properties
townhouses
customers who prefer stored hot water
properties already set up for natural gas or LPG
homes where the existing gas storage setup worked well

Common storage categories include 130/135L Gas Hot Water Systems, 160/170L Gas Hot Water Systems and 5-Star Gas Hot Water Systems.

A compact 135L gas storage system may suit moderate demand. Larger or higher-performance gas storage may be better for homes with heavier hot water use.

Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

Instant gas hot water systems, also called continuous flow gas systems, heat water only when a hot tap or shower is turned on.

They are compact, wall-mounted and popular for homes that already have suitable natural gas or LPG supply.

Installed Today’s Instant Gas Hot Water Systems category includes common flow sizes such as 16L, 20L and 26L systems.

Instant gas may suit:

homes replacing an older instant gas unit
customers wanting a compact wall-mounted system
homes where a storage tank is not preferred
natural gas or LPG properties
medium to larger households where the gas supply supports the system
customers wanting continuous flow hot water

For larger homes, 26L Instant Gas Hot Water Systems are often compared. However, a 26L system still needs suitable gas pipe sizing, water pressure, clearances and installation conditions.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Heat pump hot water systems use electricity to draw heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into stored water. They are often chosen by households wanting lower running cost potential than standard electric storage.

Installed Today’s Heat Pump Hot Water Systems category includes small, medium, large, Wi-Fi enabled and 10 amp compatible options.

Heat pump hot water may suit:

homes replacing older electric storage
households wanting lower running cost potential
homes with rooftop solar
properties with suitable outdoor space
homes with clear airflow and drainage
customers wanting to reduce reliance on gas
medium to larger households with regular daily hot water use

Heat pumps are more site-sensitive than standard electric tanks. They need airflow, condensate drainage, access, electrical suitability and sensible noise placement.

Useful categories include Medium Heat Pump Hot Water Systems 200L–280L, Large Heat Pump Hot Water Systems and Wi-Fi Enabled Heat Pump Hot Water Systems.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems use roof-mounted collectors to help heat water. They usually need an electric, natural gas or LPG booster for cloudy weather, night-time use or high-demand periods.

Solar hot water may suit homes with:

good roof orientation
minimal shade
suitable roof condition
safe roof access
enough collector space
moderate to high hot water use
a suitable booster setup

Solar hot water is not always the easiest upgrade. If the roof is shaded, access is difficult or the home already has rooftop solar PV, a heat pump may be a more practical option to compare.

For many customers, the best first step is to compare solar-style options against Heat Pump Hot Water Systems and the full Hot Water Systems range.

Storage Tank vs Continuous Flow

Hot water systems can also be compared by delivery style.

Storage tank systems heat and store hot water. This includes electric storage, gas storage, heat pump hot water and many solar hot water systems.

Continuous flow systems heat water as it is used. This includes instant gas and instant electric systems.

Storage systems are usually chosen for whole-home electric and heat pump setups. Continuous flow is commonly chosen for gas-connected homes wanting compact wall-mounted hot water.

How to Choose the Right Size

Sizing is one of the most important parts of choosing a hot water system.

A system that is too small may run out of hot water. A system that is too large may cost more upfront and store more water than the household needs.

Before choosing a size, consider:

number of people in the home
number of bathrooms
shower length
bath use
laundry habits
dishwasher and kitchen use
morning and evening peak demand
whether multiple showers run close together
whether the old system supplied enough hot water
whether the home uses off-peak electricity
whether rooftop solar is available

A 250L electric system may suit some small to medium households. A 315L or 400L electric system may suit larger homes or off-peak setups. A medium 200L–280L heat pump may suit many everyday households. A large heat pump may suit higher-demand homes. A 26L instant gas system may suit homes where gas supply and pipework can support it.

Installed Today Buying Path: Supply Only

Supply only is the right option if you already have your own licensed plumber, gas fitter or electrician arranged.

With supply only, the product price is for the hot water system only. It does not include:

installation
valves
electrical work
gas work
pipework changes
drainage work
old unit removal
disposal
wall mounting changes
base work
compliance upgrades

Supply only can be a smart choice when your installer has already confirmed the correct model, size, gas type, installation location and site requirements.

Before ordering supply only, ask your installer to confirm:

system type
tank size or flow rate
natural gas, LPG or electricity
electrical supply
gas pipe sizing
water pressure
installation location
access
valves
drainage
clearances
whether the selected model suits the home

Installed Today Buying Path: Supplied and Installed

Supplied-and-installed options may be available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Availability depends on:

product type
property address
access
existing system
energy source
gas type
electrical suitability
water pressure
drainage
pipework
clearances
required extras

Not every product and location will be eligible. Customers should check the product page and available options before ordering.

This is an important distinction. Installed Today can help customers compare systems across Australia, but installation is not promised everywhere. Supplied-and-installed options are limited to selected products and eligible local service areas where shown.

Hot Water System Brands to Compare

Installed Today stocks and compares a wide range of trusted hot water brands across electric, gas, instant and heat pump categories.

Common brands include:

Rheem
Rinnai
Dux
Vulcan
Bosch
Stiebel Eltron
iStore
Enviroheat
Envirosun
Aquatech
Hydrotherm
Aquamax
Emerald Energy

Useful brand categories include Rheem Hot Water Systems, Rinnai Hot Water Systems, Dux Hot Water Systems, Vulcan Hot Water Systems, Bosch Hot Water Systems, Stiebel Eltron Hot Water Systems and iStore Heat Pump Hot Water Systems.

Brand matters, but the best system is the one that suits the home.

Heat Pump vs Electric Storage

Many customers replacing an old electric tank compare standard electric storage against heat pump hot water.

Electric storage is usually cheaper upfront, quiet and simple to replace.

Heat pump hot water usually costs more upfront but can reduce electricity use over time where the site suits.

Choose electric storage if simple replacement and upfront cost matter most.

Choose heat pump hot water if running cost potential and solar-friendly operation matter more, and the home has a suitable installation location.

Gas Storage vs Instant Gas

Gas storage and instant gas both use natural gas or LPG, but they work differently.

Gas storage heats and stores water in a tank.

Instant gas heats water as it flows through the unit.

Choose gas storage if your old gas storage system worked well and you want a familiar tank-style replacement.

Choose instant gas if you want compact continuous flow hot water and the property has suitable gas supply, water pressure and pipe sizing.

Natural Gas vs LPG

Natural gas and LPG systems are not the same.

Natural gas systems are for homes connected to mains natural gas.

LPG systems are for homes using bottled gas.

Ordering the wrong gas type is one of the easiest and most expensive mistakes to make when buying a gas hot water system online.

Before ordering, check:

gas bill
gas bottles on site
old system label
property gas connection
installer advice
product page gas type

This applies to both gas storage and instant gas systems.

Government Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Some heat pump and solar hot water systems may be eligible for incentives such as Small-scale Technology Certificates, commonly called STCs.

Rebate and incentive availability can change and may depend on:

product model
installation location
scheme rules
installation date
certificate market value
supplier process
state-based rebate programs
installer eligibility

Incentives can help reduce the upfront cost of eligible systems, but they should not be the only reason to choose a hot water system.

The system still needs to suit the home, household demand, installation location and long-term running cost goals.

Running Cost Factors

Running costs depend on more than the product type.

They are affected by:

energy source
electricity tariff
natural gas price
LPG bottle cost
household water use
shower length
tank size
system efficiency
timer settings
rooftop solar availability
storage heat loss
pipe length
maintenance condition
backup element use

Standard electric storage is often cheaper upfront but can have higher running cost potential. Heat pumps can reduce electricity use where installed correctly. Gas can be practical where the home already has natural gas or LPG. Solar hot water can suit roof-ready homes but needs the right site.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Hot Water Systems

You can improve hot water efficiency without replacing the whole system.

Practical tips include:

shorten shower times
fix leaking hot taps quickly
repair leaking valves
insulate exposed hot water pipework where suitable
use cold water where hot water is not needed
run full dishwasher and washing machine loads
check timer settings where installed
avoid unnecessary overnight heating where suitable
service the system according to manufacturer guidance
replace undersized or inefficient systems when they no longer suit

If your current system is old, too small or expensive to run, compare replacement options before it fails completely.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Buying Context

For Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, hot water system choice often depends on the current system, household size and available installation location.

Electric storage is common for simple replacements.

Gas systems can suit homes already using natural gas or LPG.

Instant gas is popular where compact continuous flow hot water is preferred and the gas supply is suitable.

Heat pump hot water can suit many South East Queensland homes, especially where outdoor space, airflow and drainage are available.

Local homes should check:

current system type
current size
whether the old system supplied enough hot water
gas type if relevant
electrical requirements
drainage
access
noise placement for heat pumps
valves
pipework
whether supplied-and-installed is available for the address

Common Hot Water Buying Mistakes

Choosing the same size when the old system was too small

If your old system ran out of hot water, replacing it with the same size may repeat the problem.

Ordering the wrong gas type

Natural gas and LPG models are different.

Comparing only the product price

Installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, drainage, removal and disposal can all affect the total cost.

Ignoring heat pump placement

Heat pumps need airflow, drainage and sensible noise placement.

Assuming bigger is always better

A larger tank can cost more upfront and may store more hot water than the household needs.

Choosing based on brand alone

A trusted brand still needs to be the right size, type and configuration for the property.

Not checking supply-only inclusions

Supply-only pricing is for the product only unless the page clearly says otherwise.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before ordering a hot water system from Installed Today, check:

current system type
current tank size or flow rate
household size
number of bathrooms
shower habits
bath use
laundry use
whether the old system supplied enough hot water
electricity, natural gas or LPG availability
gas type if relevant
electrical supply
gas pipe sizing
water pressure
installation location
access for delivery
valve requirements
drainage and discharge points
heat pump airflow and noise placement
whether supply only or supplied and installed is required
licensed installer confirmation

This helps avoid ordering the wrong system for the home.

Which Hot Water System Should You Choose?

Choose electric storage if you want a simple, familiar and quiet replacement.

Choose instant electric if you need compact point-of-use hot water and the electrical setup suits.

Choose gas storage if your home already has gas storage and you want a tank-style replacement.

Choose instant gas if your home has natural gas or LPG and suitable gas pipe sizing for continuous flow hot water.

Choose heat pump hot water if you want lower running cost potential and the site has outdoor space, airflow and drainage.

Choose solar hot water only if roof conditions, booster setup and installation cost make sense.

For most customers, the best starting point is Installed Today’s Hot Water Systems collection, then narrowing down by system type, size, brand and energy source.

Long-Tail FAQs

Does Installed Today install hot water systems Australia wide?

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. Supplied-and-installed options may be available on selected products in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Installation availability depends on the product, address and site requirements.

Can I buy a hot water system supply only?

Yes. Supply only is suitable if you already have your own licensed plumber, gas fitter or electrician arranged. The product price is for the unit only and does not include installation, valves, removal, disposal, electrical work, gas work, pipework changes or compliance upgrades unless selected separately.

What is the best hot water system for most homes?

There is no single best system for every home. Electric storage may be best for simple replacement, heat pump may be best for lower running cost potential, instant gas may suit gas-connected homes, and gas storage may suit like-for-like gas tank replacements.

What is the cheapest hot water system to buy?

Standard electric storage systems are usually among the cheapest upfront options. However, the cheapest product may not be the cheapest long term if it has higher running costs or does not suit the household.

What is the most efficient hot water system?

Heat pump hot water and solar hot water are often compared for energy efficiency. The best option depends on the home. Heat pumps need outdoor space, airflow and drainage. Solar hot water needs suitable roof space, low shade and a practical booster setup.

Is heat pump hot water worth it?

Heat pump hot water can be worth it when replacing old electric storage, especially where the home has suitable outdoor space, clear airflow, drainage and rooftop solar. It may not suit homes where noise, access or installation location is a problem.

Is gas hot water better than electric?

Gas hot water can be better for homes already set up with natural gas or LPG. Electric storage can be better where gas is unavailable or simple replacement matters most. Heat pump hot water should be compared if running cost reduction is the priority.

What size hot water system do I need for a family of four?

The right size depends on shower length, bathroom count, bath use, laundry habits and whether hot water is used heavily in the morning or evening. Some families may suit a 250L electric system, while higher-use homes may need 315L, 400L, a larger heat pump or a suitable instant gas system.

Should I replace my old hot water system with the same type?

Only if the old system suited the household. If it ran out of hot water, cost too much to run or no longer suits the home, compare other system types before replacing like-for-like.

What should I check before ordering online?

Check the current system size, energy source, gas type, electrical supply, water pressure, access, drainage, valves, installation location and whether your licensed installer agrees the selected model is suitable.

Final Word

Installed Today makes it easier to compare and order hot water systems online across Australia, with supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas and selected supplied-and-installed options available in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

The key is choosing the right system for the home. Electric storage is practical for simple replacement. Gas storage suits many like-for-like gas tank replacements. Instant gas suits homes with suitable gas supply and pipe sizing. Heat pump hot water can be a strong efficient upgrade where the site suits. Solar hot water may suit homes with the right roof and booster setup.

Before ordering, compare the system type, size, energy source, installation requirements, running cost potential and supply-only vs supplied-and-installed options.

Start with Installed Today’s Hot Water Systems, compare Electric Hot Water Systems, review Gas Hot Water Systems, browse Instant Gas Hot Water Systems, or compare Heat Pump Hot Water Systems to find the best fit before ordering.